Saugatuck Paled It! 6Pk

Saugatuck Paled It! 6Pk is a 5.5% ABV American Pale Ale from Saugatuck Brewing Company, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz containers. Brewed with a three-grain bill and triple dry-hopped, it earned an 85 (Very Good) rating on BeerAdvocate and holds a 3.6 average across nearly 10,000 Untappd check-ins.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  IBU: 19  |  Origin: Douglas, Michigan  |  Style: American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Saugatuck Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Saugatuck Brewing Company was founded in 2005 in Douglas, Michigan, just off the shores of Lake Michigan, with a focus on using top-quality hops and grains sourced from across the upper Midwest. Paled It! is built on a grain bill of oats, pale barley, and wheat, giving it a soft, fuller mouthfeel than a standard pale ale. The beer is dry hopped with Mosaic, Hallertau Melon, and Citra — a trio chosen to deliver layered tropical and citrus aromatics at a restrained 19 IBU, keeping bitterness well in check.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pineapple and mango lead the nose, followed by grapefruit rind and a subtle undercurrent of melon. The hop aromatics are bright and inviting without any aggressive resinous edge.

Taste: The entry is juicy, with citrus and ripe melon hitting the palate immediately. Mid-palate, crisp pale malt surfaces to provide structure, while a faint hint of pine adds complexity. The wheat and oat components keep the body lighter and smooth, with lively carbonation carrying the flavors forward.

Finish: Clean and crisp, with citrus lingering gently before fading. There is no harsh bitterness — just a balanced, dry close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Paled It!

Paled It! drinks best chilled to around 40–45°F, poured into a tulip or shaker pint to let the hop aromatics open up. It also works well straight from the can on warm days. For a Pale Ale Shandy, mix with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus character. A Radler using grapefruit soda plays off the existing grapefruit notes. Try a Beer-a-Rita — rim a glass with tajín, add ice and a squeeze of lime — for a spiced, refreshing take on this approachable pale ale.

Best For

• Backyard grilling sessions where you need a crowd-friendly craft beer
• Introducing hop-curious drinkers to American pale ales without overwhelming bitterness
• Beach or lake cooler packs during Michigan summers
• Pairing with casual weeknight dinners that call for a light, flavorful beer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Paled It! taste like? Paled It! delivers bright citrus and ripe melon flavors supported by crisp pale malt and a whisper of pine. The body is light and smooth with good carbonation and very low bitterness at just 19 IBU.

How does Paled It! compare to a West Coast IPA? Paled It! sits at a lower ABV (5.5%) and significantly lower IBU (19) than most West Coast IPAs, which typically range from 50–70+ IBU. It retains more malt sweetness and relies on dry hopping for aroma rather than bittering additions, making it far more approachable.

Is Paled It! good for craft beer beginners? Yes — the low bitterness, moderate alcohol, and fruit-forward hop profile make it an excellent entry point into American pale ales without the intensity that can deter newer craft drinkers.

Where is Paled It! made? Paled It! is brewed at Saugatuck Brewing Company in Douglas, Michigan, a small lakeside town near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The brewery was established in 2005 and sources hops and grains from across the upper Midwest.

What foods pair well with Paled It!? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus hop character. A classic cheeseburger works well against the malt backbone. Fresh summer salads with mango or citrus vinaigrette echo the tropical notes. Mild cheddar or Havarti cheeses pair without competing with the beer's lighter body. Shrimp ceviche mirrors the bright, clean finish.

What sizes does Paled It! come in? Paled It! is available in a standard six-pack of 12 oz containers.

Is Paled It! worth the price? Paled It! positions as an accessible, everyday craft pale ale from a respected Michigan brewery. Its quality grain bill, triple dry-hop process, and strong community ratings place it comfortably within the competitive craft six-pack tier, delivering solid value for hop-forward beer fans.

Why Paled It!?

The combination of Mosaic, Hallertau Melon, and Citra dry hopping on a base of oats, pale barley, and wheat is not a formula you see often at this ABV and bitterness level — most breweries lean heavier on bittering hops or push into hazy IPA territory. Paled It! occupies a deliberate middle ground: aromatic and fruit-driven but restrained enough to drink several in a sitting. Nearly 10,000 Untappd ratings confirm broad, consistent appeal. For drinkers who want hop complexity without palate fatigue, this is one of the more honest American pale ales coming out of Michigan's craft scene.