Cigar City Invasion Pale Ale
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Tasting Notes
The nose opens with citrus peel and a touch of tropical fruit, backed by a light grassy, resinous hop character. On the palate, the bitterness is moderate and clean — not aggressive — with a bready malt backbone that keeps things grounded. The body is medium-light, making the hops feel lively rather than heavy. The finish dries out gently with a faint piney note that lingers without overstaying.
About the Brewery
Cigar City Brewing is based in Tampa, Florida, and was founded in 2009. The brewery built its national reputation largely on Jai Alai IPA, a bold, citrus-forward India Pale Ale that became a flagship of the Florida craft scene. They're also known for Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout and a range of barrel-aged and limited releases. Cigar City was acquired by Oskar Blues parent company CANarchy in 2016, though it has largely maintained its identity and Tampa roots.
Food Pairings
The moderate hop bitterness and light malt body work well with grilled chicken, where the char and citrus notes mirror each other cleanly. Fish tacos with a lime crema are a natural match because the beer's brightness cuts through the richness of fried fish without overwhelming delicate flavors. A sharp cheddar or aged gouda plays off the malt backbone while the hops provide contrast to the fat. Lighter pasta dishes with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs align with the beer's herbal and citrus character rather than fighting it.
Style Guide
American Pale Ale is a hop-forward but approachable style that sits between a session beer and an IPA in terms of intensity, typically ranging from around 4.5 to 6.5% ABV. It grew out of the early American craft movement, with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale widely credited as the defining template. Compared to an IPA, the bitterness is softer and the malt character plays a more equal role, making the style more balanced than hop-dominant. American hops — citrus, pine, and tropical varieties — are the main flavor drivers, distinguishing it from its English counterpart, which tends toward earthy, biscuity notes.