Speed Bump
Bear Republic Brewing Co.

 

On-tap at the brewery in Healdsburg, CA. Seems like a light version of Red Rocket, although they listed Red Rocket as an "Amber" on their list, and this as a "Red Ale".

Despite this listing, it pours a deep amber colour, certainly more amber than red, with a fine but full head of off-white. Lacing is messy and complex, and the body is solid for a relatively low ABV beer. Looks good.

Nose is bright with a full bouquet of the typical hops you expect. Citrus, a touch of pine and some sweeter fruits that blend with the malt into a fresh cement and dust aroma of huskiness. Good stuff.

Tasty palate, although a little thin. The clean hop character carries on the fragrance into the flavour. Spicy, a little chlorine, juniper and holly. Very light, but punchy malt gives a touch of mild roast to the mix without providing any more body.

It's a tasty beer: a nice clean mixture of malt and hops. It's missing a bit of body, but you expect that from this ABV level, so it's forgivable. The advantage of course is that it's more drinkable for it. Good stuff.