Irish Style Ale

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

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 Samuel Adams Irish Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (3/11)
Copper brown color. Lovely chocolate granola, cashew butter and date bread aromas with a supple, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium body and a frothy jicama, honeyed rye toast and grassy hop finish. Tasty.

90 Conway’s Irish Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 6.5% ABV (3/11)
Brilliant amber color. Aromas of buttery peanut brittle and peach scone with a supple, finely carbonated dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and notes of fig bread crust, chestnuts and savory roasted root vegetables. Very nice and made for the table.

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, 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 percent ABV. Try with a corned beef sandwich.