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Cynic

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Cynic is Surly's first summer seasonal, from 2006: a hoppy, pale gold Belgian-style pale ale at 6.5% ABV. Belgian yeast and Columbus and Slovenian Styrian Goldings hops give notes of lemony citrus from the hops and black pepper spice from the yeast, with a dry, tingly finish. Brewed with Pilsner, aromatic malt and oats at 14 degrees Plato. Variety pack and draught.

ABV
6.5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusyspicy
hoppy
citrusy
spicy
noble hop
yeasty
fruity
Aroma
The nose leads with bright lemony citrus from Columbus and Styrian Goldings hops, underscored by a subtle black pepper spice characteristic of the Belgian yeast strain.
also:malty
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Cynic

◎ Appearance

Pale gold in color with excellent clarity and a bright, effervescent character. The head forms quickly and clings to the glass with fine, persistent lacing. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, giving the beer a vibrant, inviting presence.

pale goldclearpersistent head lacinglively carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright lemony citrus from Columbus and Styrian Goldings hops, underscored by a subtle black pepper spice characteristic of the Belgian yeast strain. Behind the hop aromatics sit soft pilsner and aromatic malt notes that frame the composition without dominating.

lemon citrusblack peppernoble hop spicepilsner malt

◐ Taste

The palate opens with crisp hoppy bitterness—moderate but present—balanced by a clean, dry malt foundation. The lemony citrus character carries through the mid-palate, joined by the peppery yeast character and a subtle fruity undercurrent from the fermentation. Oats contribute a whisper of silky texture without sweetness.

hoppy bitternessdry finishcitrus and peppercrisp and tingly

◑ Finish

The finish is notably dry and tingly, with the carbonation adding to a refreshing, lingering sensation. Hop spice and lemon notes fade gradually, leaving behind a clean, refreshing aftertaste.

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

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

Goblet

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Cynic

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About Belgian Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian 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 Belgian Pale Ale

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

Compare with another beer →Explore all Belgian Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →