I was fortunate enough to recently have a buddy bring me some Deschutes beers that he picked up in Minnesota. One of those brews was Mirror Pond Pale Ale … one of their classic offerings. While on the West Coast, this Pale is toted as a balanced beer. One thing I especially like about Deschutes is their beer labels: they are bold and colorful and remind me a little of Odell’s labels, which in my opinion are the best ones out there.
Mine poured fresh and bubbly into the pint, and developed a nice foamy head easily. Further investigation revealed an aromatic but subtler nose of mild Pacific Northwest hop varieties, and a little biscuity malt. After tasting it, I wished I had another. Mirror Pond boasts a great hop profile (Cascade) in the nose and taste, but is evened out nicely with that slightly biscuity sweet Crystal malt backbone, which you can also assume is there based on the color of the beer.
I would say an lingering finish that is equal parts hop and malt stayed on my palate. The lower ABV makes this a really sessionable, well-balanced Pale Ale that features a little bit of the Pacific Northwest. I would gladly drink this beer if it were available on Chicago shelves.