hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Boulder Beach

Tap to rate

Boulder Beach is a bright golden, single-hop American Pale Ale of 4.4%. Columbus gives aroma and bitterness, herbal and strong lemon citrus flavours, and a bold, punchy hoppy finish on a smooth body. The boulders of Rackwick Bay come in many colours and are worn smooth by the tides, a natural phenomenon that seems almost out of this world.

ABV
4.4%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusyherbal
hoppy
citrusy
herbal
orange
clean
malty
Aroma
The nose is dominated by Columbus hop character, displaying prominent herbal notes layered with sharp lemon citrus and grapefruit zest.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Boulder Beach

◎ Appearance

Boulder Beach presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. The carbonation is lively, evident in the steady stream of bubbles rising through the clear body. The overall presentation is clean and inviting, characteristic of a well-executed pale ale.

bright goldenclearfine head lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by Columbus hop character, displaying prominent herbal notes layered with sharp lemon citrus and grapefruit zest. There is a subtle malty backbone that provides gentle support without overwhelming the vibrant hop aromatics. The aromatic profile is assertive yet balanced, with a peppery spice note adding complexity.

herbal hopslemon citruspeppery spice

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and crisp with immediate citrus brightness and a measured bitterness that builds through the mid-palate. The malt provides a smooth, slightly sweet foundation that supports rather than masks the hop-driven character. The 38 IBU delivers a confident but not aggressive bitterness, with herbal and lemon flavors persisting throughout.

citrus-forwardherbal bitesmooth malt base

◑ Finish

The finish is bold and punchy, with lingering hop bitterness and herbal notes that carry well into the aftertaste. The drying quality is pronounced, leaving a clean palate that invites the next sip.

hoppy finishdry
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
79
Appearance
79
Finish
76
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Boulder Beach

More from Orkney Brewery

Bay of Caves
Bay of Caves
Black IPA
4.8% · 60 IBU
Find matches →
Brodgar Bere
Brodgar Bere
Amber Ale
4.8% · 45 IBU
Find matches →
Cliff Edge
Cliff Edge
Pale Ale
4.7% · 55 IBU
Find matches →
Clootie Dumpling
Clootie Dumpling
Spiced Beer
4.3% · 24 IBU
Find matches →
Corncrake
Corncrake
Golden Ale
4.1% · 25 IBU
Find matches →
Dark Island
Dark Island
Scottish Export Ale
4.6% · 19 IBU
Find matches →
Dark Island Reserve
Dragonhead

About American Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar American Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, citrusy, herbal character as Boulder Beach will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Scotland beers →