Alesmith Lil Devil 6Pk

AleSmith Lil Devil 6Pk is a 5.75% ABV unfiltered Belgian-style pale ale from AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, California, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Scoring 95 out of 100 from The Beer Connoisseur and earning an 85 on BeerAdvocate, this sessionable Belgian ale stands as a lighter counterpart to AleSmith's acclaimed Horny Devil.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.75%  |  IBU: 24  |  Origin: San Diego, California  |  Style: Belgian-Style Pale Ale  |  Brewery: AleSmith Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

AleSmith Brewing Company, founded in 1995 in San Diego, has built a reputation as one of the West Coast's most respected craft breweries, with deep roots in Belgian-inspired brewing. Lil Devil is brewed with ground coriander seeds, two kinds of orange peel, Belgian candi sugar, and a traditional Trappist yeast strain — all hallmarks of authentic Belgian pale ale production. The beer is left unfiltered, preserving the full character of its yeast-driven fermentation and allowing its fruit and spice complexity to remain intact.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: An expressive burst of stone fruit and tropical fruit greets the nose first, tempered by a bready, biscuity malt backbone. Light pear esters emerge alongside a subtle nutty grain quality and a whisper of black pepper from the yeast.

Taste: The entry is clean and malt-forward, with Belgian candi sugar lending a gentle sweetness. Mid-palate, light orange citrus from the dual orange peels weaves together with coriander spice and a restrained hop presence. The Belgian yeast character drives the overall flavor, but the fruit, malt, and candi sugar remain clearly defined throughout.

Finish: A moderate hop bitterness emerges alongside a mild alcohol warmth, guiding the beer into a medium-dry close. The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus peel and subtle pepper notes.

How to Drink Lil Devil

Serve Lil Devil in a tulip glass or Belgian goblet at around 45–50°F to let the yeast-driven aromatics open fully. Its moderate body and 5.75% ABV make it approachable enough for extended sessions. Pair it with a Belgian-style Witbier cocktail riff using the beer as a float over citrus spirits for a layered shandy. A classic Beergarita — blending the pale ale with lime juice and a splash of triple sec — plays off Lil Devil's natural orange character. For a simple summer drink, build a Radler by mixing it half-and-half with fresh lemonade, where the coriander and citrus peel amplify the brightness.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Belgian-style ales without overwhelming intensity
• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather afternoon sessions
• Pairing with a cheese board or charcuterie spread
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast exploring Belgian styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lil Devil taste like? Lil Devil delivers clean malt sweetness layered with orange citrus, stone fruit, and coriander spice, all driven by an expressive Belgian Trappist yeast character. It finishes medium-dry with moderate hop bitterness and a refreshing lightness.

How does Lil Devil compare to AleSmith Horny Devil? Horny Devil is a bigger, bolder Belgian Golden Strong Ale at around 10% ABV, while Lil Devil shares the same Belgian DNA — candi sugar, Trappist yeast, orange peel — at a far more sessionable 5.75% ABV. AleSmith positions Lil Devil as the approachable alternative for occasions when a full-strength Horny Devil is too much.

Is Lil Devil good for craft beer beginners? Yes — its 5.75% ABV, low 24 IBU bitterness, and clean fruit-forward profile make it one of the most accessible Belgian-style ales available. The flavor complexity rewards experienced drinkers while remaining inviting to those new to the style.

Where is Lil Devil made? Lil Devil is brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, California, a craft brewery founded in 1995 that is widely recognized for its Belgian-inspired and barrel-aged beers.

What foods pair well with Lil Devil? Moules-frites (mussels and fries), where the beer's citrus and pepper complement the briny shellfish; grilled chicken with herbs, matching the coriander notes; aged Gouda or Gruyère, whose nuttiness echoes the malt; shrimp tacos with a citrus slaw; and lighter charcuterie like prosciutto and fresh fruit.

What sizes does Lil Devil come in? Lil Devil is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Lil Devil worth the price? Lil Devil positions as a mid-range craft six-pack that delivers genuine Belgian-style complexity — candi sugar, Trappist yeast, dual orange peels, coriander — at a strength that supports everyday drinking, representing strong value within its category.

Why Lil Devil?

What separates Lil Devil from the crowded field of Belgian-style pale ales is the specificity of its recipe: two types of orange peel, ground coriander, Belgian candi sugar, and an authentic Trappist yeast strain, all left unfiltered. The Beer Connoisseur awarded it a 95 out of 100, singling out its aroma and flavor as near-perfect. At 5.75% ABV and just 24 IBUs, it threads the needle between genuine Belgian complexity and effortless drinkability — a balance that most pale ales at this strength fail to achieve. For drinkers who respect what AleSmith has built over nearly three decades in San Diego, Lil Devil is a six-pack that punches well above its weight class.