W'06 N.W. Red Ale
Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

W'06 N.W. Red AleW'06 N.W. Red Ale
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From:
Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
 
Oregon, United States
Style:
American Amber / Red Ale
ABV:
7%
Score:
86
Avg:
3.82 | pDev: 9.69%
Reviews:
26
Ratings:
30
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Mar 07, 2013
Added:
Feb 19, 2006
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
No description / notes.
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Ratings by SacoDeToro:
Photo of SacoDeToro
Reviewed by SacoDeToro from California

3.97/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured a rich amber color with a nice off-white head.

The aroma was of rich malts and some Pacific NW hops.

The flavor of the beer was nice and malty with light hints of chocolate. The hops were there in the right balance so as not to overpower the malt. The beer also had a subtle, but nice fruitiness.

The mouthfeel was medium and creamy. The carbonation seemed just right.

This is a solid beer from what has become a rather boilerplate microbrewery.
Oct 14, 2006
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.75 by t0rin0 from California

Mar 07, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by EvanWilliams from Illinois

Dec 23, 2012
 
Rated: 3.5 by shelby415 from Oregon

Mar 01, 2012
 
Rated: 3.5 by Wetpaperbag from Washington

Feb 08, 2012
Photo of mushroomcloud
Reviewed by mushroomcloud from Texas

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - 1" khaki head. Decent retention at 1/2". Good lacing. The beer is a fairly clear amber-brown color.

S - Unexpected citrusy hop strikes first. Light malts. Very pleasant aroma.

T - Nice orange peel citrus, a very up front hop character for a red ale. Light caramel and toffee malt flavors that give this beer a good balance. Bitter, almost IPA like finish.

M - Medium body - medium carbonation.

D - Nice beer, this one really surprised me.
Feb 13, 2007
Photo of frigginsatan
Reviewed by frigginsatan from Washington

4.36/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
was widely available in the winter, now a pleasant surprise when I still find it.

pours with a decent head, that doesnt linger too long.
it's not the usual hoppy beer that I drink, but it was a nice transition beer into the fuller bodied beers for me after ages of pilsners. Malty, but ballanced, the hops definetely come in as a supporting role. Caramel flavors and toasted malts definetely strong right from the get-go. A bit sneaky, though without that overly alcoholic flavor of barley wines, it's not a six pack on a schoolnight beer; enjoy one or two with a friend who's not a hop-head.
Really hope Widmer gets the message and does something with it other than a memory of a seasonal that was excellent. Myself, I stashed a bottle or two in the back of the fridge, just in case.
Sep 14, 2006
Photo of msubulldog25
Reviewed by msubulldog25 from Oregon

3.95/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
On-tap at Widmer Gasthaus.

A: Deep rich amber/red. One finger of fluffy, off-white head. Ver pretty consistant lacing.

S: Lots of Cascade & Simcoe hops, pine & citrus. A mild sourdough bready malt is tucked beneath the hop aroma.

T: Initially a big full mouthfull of citrusy bitterness, evolving into some sweeter malt. There's a candy & chocolate malt combo used which are very nice and lend great balance to this beer.

M: Medium body and mouthfeel. Moderately creamy with a decent lingering bitterness.

D: Good strong flavor throughout. A nice to drink, though sneaky, brew. ABV over 7% makes this well-balanced beer a bit beyond a session candidate, though paired with alot of the hearty grub at Widmer, having a second one should be doable. Recommended.
Aug 18, 2006
Photo of SkeeterHawk
Reviewed by SkeeterHawk from Texas

3.57/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Brought back to me by my mother-in-law on a trip she was making to Houston from Montana. She picked this one up in Billings.

Appearance: Pours a mostly clear red-amber color with a small 1/4" head of off white bubbles. The head only stuck around for about 30 seconds and ended up as just a small ring around the top of the beer.

Aroma: The beer has a very defined aroma with rich caramel and dark fruit. There is also a fresh spicy addition that I am guessing is just a product of the fermentation and alcohol rather than a fruit addition. The hops are muted in this beer and only offer a slight floral bouquet. The malt leads the aroma profile.

Taste: The flavor has a lot more roast and dark malts in it that I suspected from the aroma. It has a defined plum and raisin flavor that is a bit unusual for this style; however, a Red Ale is normally not this big either, so I think that could be expected. The flavor is pretty estery with a bunch of fruit flavors which round out the middle of the profile. The finish is slightly acidic and malt balanced. There are enough hops here to challenge the malt in the finish, but it finishes with the malt in charge.

Opinion: This is a pretty decent beer. The rich roasty component detracts from this beers drinkability, but with the strength that it boasts, I imagine that this would only be a problem for the first one or two. It is clean and fruity with a decent malty balance. It is not my favorite beer, but one that I will finish to the bottom and likely have again if it works out that way. It's worth a try.
Jul 24, 2006
Photo of guitarmage
Reviewed by guitarmage from Oregon

3.88/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Amber ruby color, clear, few bubbles, nice foamy off white head that clings to the glass.

Smell: Not especially aromatic, but a big dose of herbal hops, cascade, also some fruity esters, and sweet malt.

Taste: Sweet malt and fruit, also some molasses and coffee flavors, surprsingly complex, big warming alcohol, hops are present but seem to take a back seat in the flavor.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and full bodied, almost nitroish, lightly carbonated.

Drinkability: This beer definitely surprised me. It has similar flavors to Arrogant Bastard Ale, of course not as big or alcoholic. It's good and complex, interesting brew.
Jun 30, 2006
Photo of Gueuzedude
Reviewed by Gueuzedude from Arizona

3.85/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle Date March 07, 2006, Sampled June 2006
Pours a brilliantly clear, dark, amber red color that is topped by a frothy, creamy, pretty well lasting, initially two-finger thick, tan colored head. The aroma is suitably hoppy with a raw herbal note that mixes nicely with citrus-like notes of grapefruit. Underneath the hop notes are some subtle notes of malt, including caramelized notes as well as a bit of toasted malt character.

Actually a bit chew on the palate, it tends to just coat the mouth. Sweet up front, which plays up the citrus hop notes, but aggressively hoppy throughout. Menthol-like notes of herbal pine mix nicely with notes of ruby-red grapefruit, sweet orange and perhaps a touch of lychee. Some notes of caramelized malt and toffee become noticeable towards the end of a sip, and in fact stick around for a bit even after the beer is swallowed. The finish has a nice, solid, yet smooth bitterness that does not linger all that much. What does linger is a sharp citrus note and the previously mentioned malt character. Quite a nice drinking beer, better than I expected, and that is always nice.
Jun 27, 2006
Photo of Beaver13
Reviewed by Beaver13 from Colorado

3.91/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz bottle dated 3/21/06. Pours a deep reddish brown with a large fluffy light tan head that is long lasting and coats the glass with lacing.

The aroma is caramel malts and grassy piney hops.

The flavor is slightly sweet bready caramel malts initially followed by a good deal of piney hop bitterness that lingers in the aftertaste, but is balanced by a little residual sweetness. There's a little melon fruitiness as well. The mouthfeel is medium to full with velvety carbonation.

Overall, a pleasant surprise. It's a drinkable, nicely hopped red (makes for a good IPA).
Jun 26, 2006
Photo of kgotcher
Reviewed by kgotcher from Colorado

3.85/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle from a mixed 12 pack. 7% alchohol, eh? Poured a darkish amber color with a thin off white head.

Aroma is earthy, pine, a sweet fruity smell and a little spice.

Medium to full body with a slight slickness that is hidden by a fair amount of carbonation.

Taste has spicy citrus and piney hops, a mellow but sugary maltyness and a bitter finish that dries up quickly. Fairly high alchohol content is hidden quite well.

A nice beer. Good flavor with an interesting mix of sweetness and bitterness that stand on their own. Lacks a bit in complexity and the finish is a bit harsh, For me this would be a nice option when I am looking for something stronger and more flavorful than an IPA but not quite as strong as an IIPA.
Jun 20, 2006
Photo of warriorsoul
Reviewed by warriorsoul from Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Cheers to bennetj17 for the offering...
Clear, dark amber in color with a full two fingers of off-white head...most sticks around and leaves some spotty lacing.
Decent aroma...candy malt and juicyfruit hops balanced nicely in the nose.
Taste is a very unique taste on the style...pushed to the extreme in many ways. Sticky hops and heavily sweetened up by the malt...a bit cloying in the finish...not "ghostly" as the bottle would suggest. The alcohol is not totally hidden, but it is not distracting.
Mouthfeel very thick and the carbonation is perfect for me.
Glad to try this one...I like it, but could not drink more than one in a sitting due to the sweet factor.
Jun 16, 2006
Photo of ppoitras
Reviewed by ppoitras from Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle from weefisheads via trade. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" beige head above the clear dark copper brew. Head fades slowly, with average to good lacing. Aroma is piney and lightly fruity hops. Taste is dominated by the piney hops from beginning to end, but the maltiness underneath is ample to provide a nice backbone. Mouthfeel and drinkability are both pleasing, this one was a nice surprise.
Jun 06, 2006
Photo of tobyandgina
Reviewed by tobyandgina from Nevada

3.93/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hops, Hops and more Hops. A different kind of red.

Head fades quickly, decent aroma of hoppiness. Any other flavors in the beer are masked by the hops. Not too much body to it. Just an intersting red ale - interesting and different is good. Drinks pretty well. I could have a few of these guys with my steak dinner.

Where did these Widmer guys come from? I've had a couple of their brews lately that are not too bad.
Jun 03, 2006
Photo of GClarkage
Reviewed by GClarkage from California

4.47/5  rDev +17%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
05/18/06- Purchased at Safeway in San Mateo, CA

Presentation- 12oz bottle with no freshness dating. I is a 2006 brew though. Poured into my Steelhead pint glass.

Appearance- Darker caramel color, a thicker than expected slightly off white head. Medium lace left behind.

Smell- Really nice piney hops scent. Medium toasted malt scent. Smells like it’s going to be a sweet one.

Taste- Bette than expected. Very large hop blast right of the first sip. Sweet, sugary and pine flavored. Malt plays a nice role as well. As it warms, a very flavorful sweet caramel malt flavor comes through.

Mouthfeel- Thicker and almost chewy in texture. Medium carbonation. It’s all of it’s 7%.

Drinkability- Wildly impressed on this issue. Might be a bit too heavy for a session brew, but very flavorful and a pleasure to drink.
Jun 01, 2006
Photo of DeaconBluez
Reviewed by DeaconBluez from Alabama

3.88/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ozer thanks to zorro in the great race 06...go spring!!!!

pours a red...almost brown in color color. nice head retention. the smell is rather hoppy. hints of grapefruit and sweet malts as well. hops stand out...but not a huge aroma coming from this. taste is of sweet caramels.there are bitter hops in there as well. lemons and grapefruits. there is a somewhat burnt fruit taste in there to me. mouthfeel is is somewhat oily...not what i was expecting but a nice surprise. it is somewhat drinkable as the alcohol likes to rear its head. a very nice brew that i wish was more available to me. would pick it whenever it came it out in the winter
May 27, 2006
Photo of ElGordo
Reviewed by ElGordo from Oregon

3.45/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3
Pours a garnet-copper hue topped by a creamy, slightly sticky half-inch of off-white head. Aroma of toasted medium-bodied malt, a touch of floral hops, and a bit of a phenolic, metallic tinge. A sweet, malty flavor dominates the palate, with some slightly bitter floral hops to balance it out. Finish is again a little metallic, with some warming from the considerable alcohol presence. Body is a little heavy for a red ale, but is appropriate for the amount of flavor in this assertive brew. Although it's tasty, I'm not sure I'd like to drink more than one of these. An interesting beer, and a branching-out effort for Widmer.
May 22, 2006
Photo of DogFood11
Reviewed by DogFood11 from California

4.3/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Color of this brew is like the namesake, red for the most part, highly filtered, and a decent head that slowly fades with each pull, ring like lacing was persistant.

The smell was fairly laid back, some dark fruitiness to it, a bit of a bubblegum type sweetness and a hop twinger.

Wow! This is simply the best Widmer offering I've had a chance to taste. Hops come across strong enough in the taste to knock this beer in to place. Quite fruity...some might even say this comes across a bit to cloying and bubblegummy but I found it to be a good challenge to the other side of this fine brew. Roasted malts are present and neccessary. Very easy drinking, considering the abv and depth of taste. Not too rich, more of a spritzy splash of big flavors and then its gone.

Notes: The best beer I've had from the Widmer brothers. A true brewers selection, far from label hype, just damn good.
May 20, 2006
W'06 N.W. Red Ale from Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
Beer rating: 86 out of 100 with 30 ratings