O’Fallon Brewery thrilled local beer fans last month with the announcement of its upcoming expansion plans that include a new brewery and tasting room in Maryland Heights. Around the same time, O’Fallon released its first new year-round offering since 2010: Zeke’s Pale Ale.
While many local pale ales are more English in style with notes of caramel and toffee, Zeke’s is an American pale ale. APA’s usually have a nice hop aroma, and Zeke’s definitely doesn’t disappoint with huge notes of pineapple and passion fruit. Head brewer Brian Owens added Galaxy hops to the end of the boil (a technique called “burst hopping” or “hop bursting”), bringing out big grapefruit hop flavors with a nice balance of bitterness. The use of honey malt adds a kiss of that sweet nectar to the flavor profile, too. Weighing in at 5.1 percent ABV, Zeke’s is smooth and easy to drink with a light body, and while the citrusy hop notes are big, they won’t overwhelm your senses.
Zeke’s pairs terrifically with tacos; the citrus notes play off the heat, and the hops help temper the spiciness. Vietnamese and spicy Thai dishes also would work well, as the bitterness lifts through the heat of the dishes and the citrus plays with the spices. As O’Fallon’s newest full-time beer, Zeke’s can be found widely around town in six-packs or on tap.
This article appears in Guide to Beer 2014.