Brimstone Red
John Harvard's Brewery & Ale House

Snuffed this one out on 6/15/2004 at the Cambridge location.

Served in a 16-ounce shaker glass. Nice and clear with a light rose coloring; hue was on the darker side but that could have been due to the dim lighting at the bar. Little to no head, just a mellow sheen. Round, hoppy head with hints of sweet grass and maybe a little Chinese five spice and red licorice. Biting hop to start that mellowed to a tart lemon rind. Slightly clinging mouthfeel, but not overly so. Drinkable to the point of almost being a session ale. Had hoped to see some different stuff on from my visit from four days prior, but no such luck.

I also enjoyed the draught red last night at John Harvard's Harvard Square location. There was a modest head atop the ruby ale. The aromas were floral and reflected the hops. This beer is quite a nice show case as the Amarillo, Cascade, Goldings and Fuggles are distinct and identifiable throughout the tasting. The malt backbone is subtle, and offers less balance than the cask red, which was simultaneously available. The draught is a bit light on body, but still worth trying. It would pair well with spicy foods.

Had this beer on tap at JH in Harvard Square. It poured a rather clear reddish/brown body with a white/tan head.

The nose was very hoppy, citrusy with some strong malt smells backing it up.

The taste was surprising. Pure citrus peel hop madness. Medium bodied and very easy drinking. A long bitter finish. The malt sat nicely against this beer supporting the hops well.

Overally this beer barely resembled a red ale. If you closed you're eyes and took a sip it was like a slightly maltier IPA. A great beer none the less.

Thanks for adding this..had it the other day, then saw it wasn't listed...if you wait, it'll get there!

Nice reddish color when served, also had a pleasant aroma of sweet malt and fresh hops.

I found this beer to be flavorful and fresh. I liked the mouthfeel: it was slightly bitter and a bit astringent. I also thought that the finish was slightly nutty in flavor, with some hop bitterness in the aftertaste.

Decent beer, one to have again. Not over the top, but satisfying.

On tap at the JH Cambridge brewhouse. This deep amber colored ale is one of the relatively new breed of hoppy amber/red ales. Easily their hoppiest offering of the evening from last night's visit. The aroma was average, however the flavor leaned heavily toward bitter, providing a nice hop bite. The bitterness is balanced somewhat by an underlying citrus hop flavor and smooth, sweetish caramel malt. A very satisfying brew that stood up well to their "hotter than hell" wings (not all that hot, but tasty). Check it out.