Lucky Red's
Ram Restaurant & Brewery

irish red with a twist, the twist being its about twice as strong as the style usually is! didnt see that coming, but enjoyed the beer quite a bit, nice use of proper old world yeast in this, well refined while leaving it to be plenty earthy still, real well grounded, and perhaps just a bit more of a modern hop complexion than is common, both in terms of varietal and dosage, but this isnt overly hopped or anything, and all up it stands out as a distinct but recognizable take on the classic style, well done. nice brick red look to this, good clarity, puffy off white head an inch high and settling quickly, looks right on, perhaps a little deeper in color than some. lightly dusty and european in the nose, less of that in the taste. it smells sweeter than it drinks too, but it does have some of that caramelized richness to it, a kilned malt baked warmth thing too, and subtle raisin and tobacco without it really being fruity to me. the hops bring late citrus to my senses, the yeast is bready and right on, and the water chemistry seems intentional. subtly quite a smart beer, and i think it hides its alcohol rather well, this is actually pretty light bodied for its color and its strength, smooth going down too but with enough carbonation. hearty and earthy, well built, fresh to me as well, very solid.