Review: Red Ale, Abita Brewing Co.

 

Red Ale

Abita Brewing Co. — Abita Springs, LA

Stats:

• Style:  Red / Amber Ale
• Bitterness:  30 IBU
• ABV: 5.2%
• Malts:   British Pale and Crystal
• Hops:  Sterling
• Sampled: 12 oz. bottle

Description:  "Red Ale is brewed with British pale and crystal malts, Sterling hops, and an ale yeast from California. This ale has a rich ruby color, lacy collar, and a pronounced caramel flavor. Try it with traditional Irish fare or a sweet and pleasant cow’s milk cheese called Dubliner that can be found in most grocery stores." — Abita Brewing Co.

Random thoughts:    I picked this up as part of a mixed six-pack at Total Wine & More during a trip to Arizona.  This is Abita’s spring seasonal, available from March-May of each year.  So I expect this bottle is about 9 months old.

The tasting:  Reddish orange in color with an off-white head that dissipated fairly quickly.  It left a little lacing on the glass.  Aroma of mainly malts with a smell that reminded me of a pale lager.  Flavor of toasted bread-like malts with a touch of sweetness in the finish.  Light to medium bodied with carbonation that provides an effervescent mouth feel.

Rating:  3 star.  Good.  I would drink this if someone gave it to me.    It’s a good beer, but I wasn’t entirely thrilled by it.  When I smell anything that reminds me of a pale or pilsner lager, I start to tune out.  I’d like to try some of Abita’s other brews.  They have a raspberry wheat beer called Purple Haze.  Maybe I’ll try that in the summer.

Have you tried Red Ale or any other beers from Abita?

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