Kind Beers Distributing was founded in 2008 in the “Queen City” Charlotte, North Carolina by Terry Bumbaugh. As a start-up corporation, Kind Beers contracted Thomas Creek Brewery to produce Bumbaugh’s personal beer recipes. With a company philosophy of “keeping it simple,” it’s easy to see why their initial release in 2008, Kind Pale Ale, hit the store shelves and was quickly distributed state-wide. With good word spreading quickly, the expansion this small company experienced was a testament to Kind’s belief in a “simple product” with quality ingredients and great balance. Kind Beers has enhanced its product line and distribution, adding a Belgian Red Ale, and has a current five state distribution from North Carolina through Florida and Alabama. 

 

Kind Beers Pale Ale is a well managed brew with an even focus placement on malt characteristics and the hop profile. With a stout 7.3% ABV, Kind’s Pale Ale is on the strong end of the scale, rivaling some Indian Pale Ales. Commitment to quality ingredients is exemplified by the exclusive use of Maris Otter in the mashing process. Maris Otter is a 2-row English barley and is the finest quality brewing malt available. The Maris Otter is balanced in the brew by the addition of a duet of East Kent Goldings and Amarillo hops. This pale ale pours with a mahogany orange body and has a fluffy white head that resembles whipped egg whites. As the head dissipates, it leaves a dappled lace on the glass. The nose is piqued with notes of toasted lemon rind, ripe pineapple, and spice, balanced by fragrant malt and caramel. The pale ale is medium bodied with a smooth creaminess created through its solid carbonation. The flavors advertised by the bouquet are delivered as hints of English toffee and sweet caramel waltz on the palate with citrus and pineapple. Undertones of tea leaf, dry grass, and fresh baked bread crust are also detectable. Kind Pale Ale is a throwback to a straightforward, balanced style of brewing.

 

The poised nature of Kind Pale Ale makes for a good pairing with mild and subtle flavored foods. Pork, specifically ham, chicken, shrimp, and fish all fare well when paired with this brew. Pacific rim ingredients have affinity for Kind Pale Ale including basil, chilies, cashews, coconut, ginger, mint, garlic, and lime. Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in particular, would make a good match. Latin and Caribbean pairings will also do well with jalapenos, cilantro, rum, saffron, sweet potato, pineapple, mango, and cinnamon taking the lead. Paella, jerk marinated chicken, and Pad Thai would also be worth a pairing. Sweet stone fruit, citrus, and tropical with cinnamon, cream, butter, and caramel based desserts make Kind Pale a suitable companion to summer and fall desserts. Think peach cobbler, pineapple upside down cake, and vanilla ice cream. 

 

Following are two recipes I have designed that you can recreate at home for a perfect compliment with the Kind Beers Pale Ale:

 

For any questions regarding these recipes, Kind Pale Ale, Kind Beers Distributing, or craft beer please email me at d.battistella@basilmagazine.com.