Tag Archives: red ale

CAFFREY’S IRISH ALE

Scotch-scented billowy-headed ale slides creamy malt resilience across soft grain flow, but lackluster body, density, and finish allows overwhelming fizz to intrude. Perhaps bottled version sent overseas to America is watered down for less discernible tastes. However, on tap its satin yeast elegance, subtle crystal malting, and mild wheat sash combine for mellow perfection (and would rate 5 stars).

HIGHLAND GAELIC ALE

Dry red fruiting (apple-grape-apricot) embellishes caramelized mocha malts and tingly spice hops, flattening to drearily unresolved corn sugared midst. Irish influence completely lost amongst dulled out toasted almond sweetness and muted floral accent of deep amber ale. But teasing bock-like fig-date finish adds depth.

LANDMARK INDIA RED ALE

Brewed for Syracuse’s Landmark Brewery, garnet-hued red ale/ IPA hybrid garners lingering floral hop bitterness for supplemental orange-peeled grapefruit pith souring and brisk pine needle bite. Stable spruced citrus tang encounters cardboard-tea midst, cigar ash niche and vegetal tribute but acidic astringency hampers rye twinge.

MOLSON EXPORT (RED) ALE

Spry, well carbonated, with snazzy bite, this primo red ale is Molson’s best bet. The right amount of red-fruited mineral-grained frontage, fermented yeast sweetness, and spice hop bitterness addict the senses with thirst quenching affirmation. Yet it seems so simple and uncomplicated in brewing approach. As subtle carbonation settles, polite creamy finish surfaces alongside surge of alcohol potency. An enigmatic winner.