North East Beer Review

A Spanish craft brew purchased from Spanish City in Whitley Bay. Today’s review is on Garage Beer Co Palomar, which is a 5.5% American Pale Ale. I am a big fan of Garage Beer Co having tried quite a few of their brews now such as Soup, Santako and their collaborations such as with Northern Monk’s Hop City. So what did I think of Garage’s American Pale Ale. To find out I will cover the history of this beer and brewery, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.

Top quality from Spain

Garage Beer Co is a craft brewery and pub founded in Barcelona, Spain in 2015. Launched by Alberto Zamborlin and James Welch, this is one of the most iconic craft breweries in all of Spain. The founders met as part of a home brewing community and a shared vision for breaking into a lager dominated industry by introducing bold flavoured ales.

Their first brewpub was located in Eixample district of Barcelona, aswell as a larger facility for brewing operations on the outskirts of the Barcelona area. Garage Beer Co is well renowned internationally for its creative style of beers.

Palomar is part of Garage Beer Co’s ‘Del Barrio’ IPA series which aims to showcase different hop combinations while maintaining a soft, highly drinkable IPA base. According to Garage Beer Co, this 5.5% ABV brew is hopped with Ekuanot, Idaho 7 and Citra hops. These hops were selected to create layers of peach, apricot, cherry, melon, passion fruit, and citrus aromas. Palomar was created to celebrate the Barcelona neighbourhoods and University of Barcelona.

A glowing pour

Palomar pours a yellow to golden colour which is hazy in nature similar to the modern NEIPA style. A fluffy white head forms which has a decent degree of retention and leaves a light lacing down the glass. The carbonation is smooth and controlled which almost helps the beer glow in the sun. Overall, this is a very inviting pour which perfectly catches the light and presents a wonderful image.

A bright and expressive flavour profile.

Aroma

The aroma of Palomar is bright and expressive bursting with tropical flavours such as peach, passionfruit and melon. This is followed by a touch of citrus zests and berry hints. Beneath, this is a sweet malt note to help balance the hop aroma. Overall, this is a brew that has a juicy appeal and a great degree of balance.

Taste

Palomar delivers a smooth and juicy flavour profile. There is a vast wave of apricot, melon and tropical fruits such as passionfruit. This is supported by a citrus note such as lemon whilst being followed by berry sweetness. The malt backbone is light and soft which allows the hops to take centre stage. Bitterness remains restrained throughout, creating a highly approachable and refreshing drinking experience. The finish is clean, fruity, and lingering, encouraging another sip. Overall, a very refreshing and vibrant pour which is quite session able.

Time for my verdict

Overall, I quite like the constant decent brews produced by Garage Beer Co especially in nice weather such as last Friday when I visited Whitley Bay. As much as this was tasty brew and I felt it was vibrant and refreshing, this probably wasn’t my favourite. I much preferred the heavy hazy nature of Soup and the dankness of Santako. Although, this was still good I have to settle with a rating of 4 out of 5.

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from Hazy Daze in Whitley Bay. Cracking little bottle shop where you can stop for a nice pint.

Thanks for reading my review. If you enjoyed my review, you will love my review of Brew York Hop Collider.