Double Loakal Red
The Bruery

a delicious and unique red ale here, strong, apparently a larger version of one they already make, this is my first encounter with any version of it from memory, and its lovely, somewhat hoppy, double oaked apparently, and on tap at the idaho location, which i still kind of cant believe exists. crimson to mahogany color on this, they did a total boss pour so it had no head because there was no room for one, an unimpressive way to serve any beer really, but what was impressive is how far the server carried it to the back patio without spilling a drop! its not quite clear, appears well carbonated, and smells awesome, woody like newer oak, not whiskey or anything, more just the wood, vanilla and tannins to it, lightly toasted to me, dry but enriching, nice malty possibly long boiled base with some toffee and caramel nut not overly sweet to me, hints of dried red apple, raisin, and maple too, autumnal in that way, chestnut and almond, and herbal hops that have a soft side but are boldly dosed in this, no sign of its alcohol at all. the flavor is pretty hoppy the whole way, green pinecone, woodsy like that without being too bitter, almost noble with some spice in the middle, and with more of a fruity cooked citrus type back end, nice balance, drier than it smells and starts, good warming wood presence, again with more wood than any barrel contents specifically, more and more fruity as it warms, even a cherry note, birch, acorn, dark bread. smooth without being overly full bodied, it warms up well, and overall is distinctive and complex in a cool way. i think imperial red is a great style, tons of room for variation and experimentation and a good one can hold a ton of flavor without seeming overdone, as this one certainly does. very good.