5:01 Golden Ale

5:01 Golden Ale is an homage to the end of the standard work day, or as it's described on the can, it "captures that satisfying moment when work stops and beer begins." It comes from Barrie, Ontario's Redline Brewhouse. According to the 473mL can, this brew contains a lean 4.2% alcohol and is made with a wheat.

5:01 is a cloudy orange-gold colour. It pours with a thin cover of eggshell head, through which wafts a mandarin orange aroma. The mouthfeel is disappointingly thin, though I guess that should be expected from a wheat ale with such a low percentage. Despite the uninspiring mouthfeel, the flavour left me feeling relatively impressed. It has a delicate orange blossom vibe that I like, and a subtle hops finish.

This beer is quite a bit better than I expected, as I'm often suspicious of both the amorphous "golden ale" category and any beer that has less than 5% alcohol. However, it is a refreshing and tasty low octane option. A more burly mouthfeel would have led to a stronger rating, as would a heavier hopping.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.