Tag Archives: red ale

SMITHWICK’S IRISH ALE

Heavily advertised Guinness-Bass amber ale alternate maintains frisky tan head and burnished copper hue. Chewy whiskey malt souring and wavered cocoa snip placated by toasted barley sweetness. Dry floral hop bitterness affects peated barnyard-hay earthiness and herbal tea hint. But medicinal ethanol surge at mannered caramelized apple finish is debatable.

KATAHDIN RED ALE

Though lacking true fruited-hopped red ale essence, barley-roasted chocolate easement provides minor credibility for Irish-styled brew. While imbibing, reddish brown hue seems richer than expectant flavor. And that’s a shame. Needs thicker yeast sinew and denser malt extract. Brewery defunct: 2002.

RODENBACH ALEXANDER RED ALE

Spectacular slow sipping garnet-hued dessert ale alternates strong green apple waft and dry cherry nose above undeniable eye-squinting citric tartness. Lithe berry tang sweetens prominent vinous vermouth sourness, grape pulp mustiness, mild orange bittering, and rose’ wine illumination as strong soda-fizzed cherry essence receives oaken cask-aged seduction.