90 Samuel Adams Irish Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (2/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Roasted walnuts, apple pie filling and dark chocolate aromas follow through on a rich, frothy entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with even flavors, good depth and rounded nut, citrus crème brûlée and earthy hop fade. A lively, well balanced and very drinkable Irish ale.
90 Conway’s Irish Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 6.5% ABV (3/08)
Copper color with a lazy bubbly head. Charred nut, molasses and baked apple aromas. A soft, frothy entry leads to a dryish medium body of caramelized nuts, brown sugar and hickory, and roasted grain flavors. Finishes with a tangy nut shell, molasses, grilled apple and grapefruit fade. A clean and balanced Irish ale that is a great choice for classic sausage and chips.
89 Michelob Irish Red Ale, Michelob Brewing Co. (MO). 5.7% ABV (2/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of brown sugar, alfalfa honey and buckwheat pancakes follow through on a round, frothy entry to a tangy dryish medium body with dried apple and cherry and dark roasted nut notes. Finishes with a very crisp, cocoa-dusted citrus, mossy stone and molasses-tinged fade. Very nice with good depth of roasted malt and snappy hops.
88 Rojo Ojo Red Ale, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep amber in color with touches of ruby. Pours a pillowy strawberry blonde head and has nice retention leaving delicate lace behind. Red licorice, rye bread and hop spiciness in the aromas. Soft entry with a smooth mouth feel. Evenly toasted caramel malt backbone, well balanced, with a playfully spiky hop finish. Lingering spicy hops in background and subtle warming alcohol notes. An easy quaff at 6% ABV. Try with a corned beef sandwich.
85 Rubberband Red Ale, Govnor’s Public House (IL). 5% ABV (2/08) %{Brewpub}
Dark copper color. Dusty nut, buttery dark caramel and faint earthy aromas. A brisk, frothy entry leads to a dryish light-to medium body of citrus, baker’s chocolate and rye toast flavors. Finishes with a tangy fade of sweet dried fruit, spice and toffee.
84 Pale Ale, Govnor’s Public House (IL). 4.9% ABV (2/08) %{Brewpub}
Deep amber color with a lacy head. Sweet toffee and toast aromas. A round, lightly frothy entry leads to dry light-to medium body of caramel, toast and dried peaches flavors. Finishes with a dusty, earthy note with fruity and mild piney and bittering hops.
Leave a Reply