Double Down Imperial Red Ale
Sugary malt, lemon peel, & earthy hop nose; caramel & grapefruit balanced by bitter hops; dry finish.
Reviews by Style: Red Ale
Werewolf Blood Red Ale
“I saw a werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic’s, his hair was perfect!” –Warren Zevon It’s not often I find myself accosted by a werewolf while doing my grocery shopping. But I love a good gimmick, and this “blood red ale” from Newcastle had it all: clawmarks on the case, a lycanthropic logo, and “Escaped from Britain” on the label.
Hop Head Red Ale
A day spent fretting over a manuscript in need of repairs while Jennifer designed Cthulhu postcards left me wanting a brisk, bold beverage. So we ordered pizza from The New Yorker and hit Petaluma Market, where I picked up a Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale. 45 IBU? Sign me up.
Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale
All the way from Victor, Idaho comes Grand Teton Brewing’s Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale. I’ll admit it; this wasn’t my first choice tonight. He’Brew’s Lenny Bruce tribute RIPA caught my eye first. But when I picked up the four pack, the bottom fell out, sending bottles falling to the Whole Foods floor. What a comedian! Fortunately, nothing broke, but I was a little gun shy after my near beer-tastrophy, so I opted for the gold foil and hop-covered […]
Lucky 13
Get ready to wet yer wolf whistle; this one’s a pinup! Lagunitas Lucky 13 pours copper, with a big, creamy head that marks the glass with cumulonimbus clouds. Bright and bold up front, piney hops and suggestions of citrus. Medium-bodied, with effervescent carbonation. Abrasive against palate, bourbon/molasses as it glides down the throat. Tart, slightly sour finish. A personal favorite.
Believer Double Red Ale
Tonight’s adult beverage is from Eugene, Oregon, Ninkasi Brewing Company’s Believer Double Red Ale. (With the new washing machine in the background. Dryer to come.) Believer pours ruby-red with a thick, creamy head which evaporates slowly and leaves cathedral-arch lacing on the edges of the glass. Toasty malt aroma. Lots of malt up front. Some hoppy bitterness, but sweet. Robust mouthfeel with minimal carbonation. Long-lingering bitter aftertaste, but very drinkable. Not quite as impressed with this one as I was […]
