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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

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 before that, porter.

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 (3/11)

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.

86 Irish Red Ale, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (3/12)

Brilliant deep amber color with a long lasting blanket of fine foam. Bold citrusy, coniferous herbal hop, chocolate cookie and bread aromas with a rich, foamy dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy apricot jam, burnt orange peel, radish and faint metallic, phenolic tang on the finish. A very hoppy take on the style.

86 Irish Setter Red, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. (OH). 5.9% ABV (3/13)

Beautiful copper amber color. Aromas of salty baguette and delicate citrus with a supple, dryish medium body and a honeyed nectarine and nut, arugula, mineral and jicama-accented finish.

85 Burly Irish Ale, The Vermont Pub and Brewery (VT). 4.2% ABV (3/12)

Deep reddish brown with an olive rim. Mild cocoa, dusty nut and sourdough bread aromas with a dryish light body and an earthy, grainy, peach pit-accented finish.

83 Red Sky Ale, Frankenmuth Brewery (MI). 5.25% ABV (12/11)

Reddish copper color. Aromas of caramelized nuts,buttered raisin toast and pepper with a crisp, supple, dryish medium body and a dried fruit and kale-accented finish. A nice food beer.

82 Tamaltach’s Old Irish Red Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.3% ABV (3/12)

Brown color. Aromas of stale peanut butter and figs with a sourish medium body and a sweet chocolate pudding, nutskin, turnip and citrusy floral bath soap-accented finish.

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