Protector Brewery - Mosaic Hazy Pale Ale

This hazy pale ale is a showcase for the appropriately named Mosaic hop, a variety renowned for its complex profile that offers a little bit of everything. Pouring a well-hazed golden hue topped with a robust head of fluffy foam, this brew offers up plenty of aromas right away. We picked up berry and stone fruit notes most prominently, backed up by tropical fruits, hints of tangerine, grass, and earth, and a floral overtone, among other facets. The Mosaic show continues into the flavor too, where we get plenty of juicy and floral character at the fore. Look for the central malt backbone to come through nice and clean, with touches of cracker and mild toast, offering good support without distracting from the hops. Bitterness is moderate, in good balance with just a touch of perceived sweetness, and providing enough bite to maintain a dry impression throughout while beckoning another sip as it lingers for a moment in the finish with a hint of citrus pith. For pairing options, this is a fairly food-friendly beer, so feel free to experiment. A fresh salad with grilled chicken and a lemon vinaigrette sounds good for something on the lighter end, while grilled pork chops with peach chutney and a side of grilled asparagus should work nicely for something a bit heftier. Cheers!

Many brewery backstories revolve around the founder picking up an appreciation for beer and brewing while in the military stationed oversees, usually in Germany. However, the story of Protector Brewery is the first we’ve encountered in which the founder’s journey down the brewing path began by brewing in an active war zone.

Sean Haggerty spent almost a decade as a Navy SEAL, and it was during his third deployment to Iraq in 2010 that the seed which would become Protector Brewery would be planted. Finding himself in a combat area where beer was, naturally, prohibited, yet nevertheless in need of a cold one, Sean resolved to make his own. After having ingredients shipped to him, he brewed his first batch with whatever equipment he could scrounge up, including a thermos.

Upon returning home, Sean began homebrewing in earnest, throwing himself into the science and artistry behind proper ingredient selection and the brewing process itself. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Sean – with the support of his girlfriend (now wife) Cory and longtime friend Mark Thorsen – founded Protector Brewery in 2017. Distribution throughout San Diego County began in 2019, and presently cans of their organic beers can be found in seven states.

The decision to go all-organic with an eye on sustainability and purity of ingredients was Cory’s idea, and it’s a bold move that relatively few brewers have committed to. All of Protector’s ingredients are USDA Certified Organic, vegan-friendly, and sourced in the USA. Their focus on sustainability doesn’t end there; all of Protector’s packaging is 100% recyclable. The brewery has also partnered with a number of philanthropic organizations including the Navy SEAL Foundation, The Honor Foundation, Team Rubicon, and the San Diego Green Building Council. For more info on their excellent organic beers and their Tasting Room just north of MCAS Miramar, which is located near several other brewery tasting rooms including AleSmith and Ballast Point, visit Protector’s website at www.protectorbrewery.com.