Cabin’s Super Saturation Pale Ale stands out in the crowded craft beer scene as a thoughtfully designed, hop-forward brew that balances flavour intensity with sessionability. Crafted by Cabin Brewing Company in Calgary, this New England-style Pale Ale (NEPA) offers drinkers a full sensory experience aroma, taste, and texture while maintaining a clean, approachable profile. Known for its pillowy mouthfeel, tropical hop character, and drinkability, Super Saturation pushes past the usual expectations of a pale ale, delivering both complexity and casual enjoyment in every can or pint.
What Is Super Saturation Pale Ale?
Super Saturation is Cabin Brewing’s flagship NEPA, intentionally fashioned to be bold yet balanced. It features a mash bill rich in raw wheat and oats, creating a soft, silky body that supports a heavy hop load. The brewery lists Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe as the hop trio responsible for its tropical aroma and juicy flavour profile.
Key Characteristics
- Pillowy mouthfeel thanks to wheat and oats
- Explosive tropical fruit and citrus hop aroma
- Juicy yet crisp flavour balance
- Hazy golden appearance typical of NEPAs
Hop Composition and Aromatic Depth
The blend of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops in Super Saturation offers a complex layering of aromas think pineapple, passionfruit, mango, and zesty citrus overtones. The brewery notes it’s a ‘maelstrom of tropical hop flavours and aromas’ achieved through generous late additions and dry-hopping.
Single Hop Variants
For hop enthusiasts, Cabin released a Single Saturation Series three NEPA variations, each featuring just one of the original trio hops (Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe) at the same 6% ABV level. This innovative lineup allows drinkers to compare and appreciate the unique characteristics of each hop variety.
Tasting Experience
Beer reviewers praise Super Saturation for its approachable yet flavorful nature. According to a BeerCrank reviewer, the beer pours a hazy lemony-orange, with tropical aromas balanced by soft malt notes. It was described as smooth, balanced, and easy to drink, making it a perfect everyday NEPA.
Balance and Drinkability
Unlike ultra-intense juic bombs, Super Saturation runs moderate on sweetness and bitterness, offering a refreshing, refined drinking experience. It’s suited for both casual sipping and longer tasting sessions, suiting both hop lovers and those new to hazy pales.
Variants and Brewing Trends
The success of Super Saturation prompted Cabin to release Super Duper Saturation, an imperial take with higher ABV (8%) and updated hop bill emphasizing Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo.
Innovation Through Variety
- Super Saturation NEPA (6% ABV)
- Super Duper Saturation Imperial NEPA (8% ABV)
- Single Hop NEPA series (Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe)
Each variant keeps the core identity of the brew a hop-saturated, beer-expressive pale ale with inviting softness and complexity.
Community Reactions and Online Buzz
Among craft beer enthusiasts, Super Saturation has earned a following, particularly during summer. A Reddit discussion in r/Calgary highlighted it as amazing and flavourful, recommended alongside other local favourites.
Reddit Highlights
I find their super saturation amazing. It has what so many other summer beers are missing flavor.
This is by far the best version of the Saturation series from Cabin. Bold and flavourful while being dangerously drinkable.
Suggested Food Pairings
Super Saturation’s juicy, tropical character makes it versatile at the table:
- Spicy Asian dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan chicken
- Grilled seafood or fish tacos
- Fresh summer salads, especially fruit-centric ones
- Soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie
The beer’s balance helps it complement rather than overpower lighter fare, and its bitterness helps cleanse the palate during meals.
Availability and Packaging
Super Saturation is sold at Cabin Brewing’s Calgary taproom, through select retail partners, and via online shops where available. It is commonly packaged in 12-pack cans retailers like HotShot Liquor list it for about CAD 39.99. Availability may be limited due to demand, but it’s frequently included in seasonal releases or beer festivals.
Cabin’s Super Saturation Pale Ale is a standout NEPA that marries tropical hop aromas, creamy body, and balanced bitterness into a beer that is both flavourful and approachable. With its single hopp variants and imperial sequel, it shows Cabin Brewing’s dedication to experimentation and quality. The beer is celebrated by critics and casual drinkers alike, earning praise for its smooth drinkability and complex character. Whether you’re a seasoned hop explorer or new to hazy pales, Super Saturation offers an inviting and memorable beer experience that lives up to its name.
: