Kiitos Brewing’s Big Gale Ale
Beer Reviews
608 West 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT
Mon–Thur 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Fri–Satu 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
(801) 215-9165 | kiitosbrewing.com
It’s a beautiful, sunny day in June where everyone is gleefully celebrating, the flowers are blooming and the beer is flowing at Kiitos Brewing. Made every year for Pride month by Head Brewer Clay Turnbow, Kiitos’ Big Gay Ale is as flavorful as it is colorful, made to capture the essence of spring in a glass.
To ensure the glitter is not stuck to the bottom of the can and mixes properly as it’s poured, the beer is pulled out of the fridge upside down. Big Gay Ale is served out of a 16-oz aluminum can (like all of Kiitos’ beers) into a classic, tall pint glass. There is a subtle carbonation and smooth mouthfeel that washes down effortlessly with every gulp. There is a medium, blush/pink color that, when shined in a bright light, becomes buoyant within the liquid. Kiitos is trying out a new glitter this year, which makes the sparkle appear more subtle. Upon sipping, brace yourself for an explosion of hibiscus and blueberries with an undertone of zesty grapefruit and a subtle spice aroma to balance out the finish. The hibiscus adds a nice, fruity aroma and an earthy flavor on the back of the palate, packing a powerful punch to the tastebuds for anyone hankering for a crisp, refreshing beer.
The base of this beer is a traditional-style blonde ale that is adapted into a slightly more complex, fruitier style. When I drink this beer, I get several notes of grapefruit and floral tones from the Cascade hops used; the bitterness is subtle and not at all overpowering. I don’t have a ton of experience drinking beverages with hibiscus in it, but I would say the taste is tangy with a slight touch of earthiness. This beer is visually appealing in a pint glass and has a fair amount of fruity flavors that they were going for. There are plenty of simple ales in this world, but only one will the people of Salt Lake City know as Big Gay Ale.
Find the Big Gay Ale at Kiitos Brewing (608 W. 700 South in Salt Lake City) throughout the month of June, and follow the brewery on Instagram @kiitosbrewing, or visit their site, kiitosbrewing.com, to stay up to date and find more information.
More on Kiitos Brewing:
Kiitos Brewing Crafts the Conscious and Delicious
Beer of the Month: Pale Ale