Hoggetowne Irish Red
Swamp Head Brewery

 

 

A pleasant, refreshing, simple ale that does its job.
Irish usually have more red, but let's call this a strawberry blonde. Smells are mostly malt. Tastes blend the darker and lighter malts well, no over-roasting and balanced by modest hops. I find it a bit dry in the finish, but I'm good with that as no food is involved.

I went on Swamp Head's website and they push the right buttons: local emphasis, loyalty to the state's culture and brewing sustainably. Ten years old and they still rely on food trucks... which is OK, but maybe open a taproom adjoining restaurant and use that as an opportunity to improve some of their Belgians.

Much sweeter and lighter than other irish red ales I've had. Pours a dark amber/red color with a minimal tan head that disappears quickly. Aroma is caramel and nuts. Tastes of sweet caramels with a hint of a nutty flavor. Clean finish.

 

 

 

 

 

Pours clear golden copper with dense white head, smells of bready sweetness slight toast and cracker, tastes of sweet toast and crackery finishing with a lasting herbal crackery finish, mouthfeel is smooth slightly thin, carbonation is medium.