American Pale Ale - 6.4% ABV
Purchased at: Palmer's
From: Munster, IN

Well, well, well. Tonight I'll be reviewing the critically-acclaimed ZOMBIE DUST pale ale. If you've never had it, just look at the label for a first impression. It seems to bring to life an Avenged Sevenfold song, or better yet, something by Nekrogoblikon. This "undead pale ale" is meant to wet the dry throats of scavengers after the zombie apocalypse. Let's see if it's worthy.

As I'm pouring this beer into my nonic, I immediately get a sense for the aroma - very hoppy, with lots of citrus, specifically orange. This beer pours a hazy copper color with a massive pillowy head. Taking a closer smell, the aroma is intense and hoppy (pine, citrus, grapefruit, and a bit earthy). It's so good it makes me lose some memory and think, "Where's Carl?"

This is a wonderfully complex beer. It's crisp, moderately hoppy and bitter, with a great malt backbone. It has a very refreshing quality to it - I'd love this if there ever is a zombie apocalypse. Caramel malts and citrus hops give this beer tone and definition. The mouth feel and carbonation are perfect for the style, and the finish gives a mildly bitter flavor that lingers and eventually fades - leaving you grasping at the glass for another drink.

Overall, this is by far the best pale ale I've had. Sorry, Sierra Nevada. Zombie Dust is balanced, easy-drinking, complex, and flawless.

Appearance: 3/3
Aroma: 4/4
Hop/malt balance: 4/4
Mouth feel: 3/3
Finish: 3/3
Overall: 3/3
Total: 20/20

Food pairing: Twinkies.