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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

2010 British and North American Ales

Cultural Exchange

Irish Style Ale

Irish ales are characterized by their reddish color, malt accents, slightly sweet palate, and low hopping. They are not generally bitter if true to style and in this they reflect the historical fact that the Irish have never taken to huge amounts of hops in their traditional beers. In their native land they have long played second fiddle to stout, and prior to that, porter. Lacking a truly indigenous character, many versions being revived in the United States owe more to Celtic marketing than to a distinct character, although the color and high drinkability are the usual reference point.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

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)
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 mouthfeel. 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.

88 Samuel Adams Irish Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (3/10)
Deep reddish copper color. Aromas of raisin compote, grilled citrus and honeyed toast follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium body with good depth and a crisp, citrus and nut-accented finish.

86 Kentucky Ale, Alltech Lexington Brewing (KY). 5.34% ABV (3/10)
Bright golden amber color. Aromas of caramel cake, creamy nougat and lemon curd follow through on a round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with buttercream and sourdough bread notes. Finishes with a crisp, delicate citrus, straw and cream fade.

85 Rubberband Red Ale, Govnor’s Public House (IL). 5% ABV (2/08)
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)
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.

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