Bough in a 4-pack of pint cans. I think that this is a great way to package beer - the can is a better vessel than bottles and the pint is just the right amount of beer (plus, my pint-sized glass looks kind of pathetic half filled) .
The Sho'Nuff pours out a medium amber, with quite a full and firm (although short-lived) bubbly and craggy white head. There is a LOT of head, if you pour vigorously, but it does die down pretty quickly, so it's not too inconvenient. It's fairly cloudy if you pour it on the cold side, but it does clear up after it warms up a bit. A very nice-looking (although not particularly spectacular) beer. I do wish the head stuck around a little bit longer, though.
The nose is subtle, but yeasty, with some light fruity, typical Belgian yeast aromas, with a tiny hint of alcohol (but it's not too harsh). As the beer warms up, the nose gets surprisingly boozy - lots of fruity ethanol aromas mix (well) with the crisp pale malts. The fruitiness is still present at the warmer temperatures as well. The character (and the changes in character) are quite nice - lots of pale ales just end up having a middle-of-the-road, generic aroma, and this beer really makes a statement. It may not be always what you expect (or even what you prefer), but I quite enjoyed it overall.
The fruity flavors of banana and melon are nicely balanced by a crisp and slightly dry pale malt. There is a little bit of sweetness from the fruity flavors as well, but it works out nicely with the bready and slightly toasty malt flavors. The taste, even as the beer warms up, remains easy to drink and refreshing, with no hint of stronger alcohol aromas and (slight) harshness that is in the nose at the warmer temperatures. The finish is incredibly clean and quick, which makes this beer very drinkable. Like it or not, this beer isn't going to stick around on your palate for long, which just makes that next sip all the better. The flavors here are simultaneously assertive and subtle - this beer pairs well with almost anything, but are especially good with something slightly spicy - like barbecue, buffalo wings, or Mexican cuisine.
A medium to medium light body - easily drinkable, but not watery or unsatisfying at all. I appreciate the way that AtG has manged to make a lighter beer not leave a sticky or gummy residue, either.
Nothing crazy or over the top here, but the Against the Grain Sho'Nuff is a great tasting and easy drinking Belgian pale ale with some great fruity and crisp flavors and a dry finish. If you've not had a Belgian pale ale that you've really liked, try and get a can or few - you may discover some flavors and aromas that you've missed in other beers of this style!
