Crimson Pride
Palouse Falls Brewing Company

 

 

Taster from the tap early in 2010.

The Crimson Pride is a pleasant surprise after the tasteless Gold. It tastes of a single malty, copper tone with a few different hop notes nudging their way in. It isn't bad, and definitely a step in the right direction. In my opinion, it could use to up the flavor ante with some more malt.

I bought a growler full of Crimson Pride at the brewery, while in town for WSU Dad's Weekend. I skipped the football game and went to the brewery instead. Poured in to a pint glass.

The beer has a red-brown hue, a red mahogany or cherry wood color, and is clear. You get a modest frothy off-white head, that leaves some spotty lace on the glass. You see a few bubbles rising in the glass, and the beer appears mildly carbonated.

Smell is a sweet aroma, some caramel candy scents perhaps, and a bit of a sweet dairy aroma, like ice cream.

Taste is not as sweet as the aroma would suggest. It has a bit of an acerbic smoky peat flavor, there is also sweet flavor to it. The sweetness comes through better as the beer warms. A sweet caramel favor maybe, but not nearly the sweetness you might expect from the style. Instead there is more of a hop profile. There is a mildly bitter aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is very good. The beer is medium bodied, but not cloying. Mild carbonation, but the hop bitterness gives it a a zesty character. The aftertaste is dry, and mildly bitter.

All in all a very drinkable and sessionable amber. I'm not much on the style, although do drink a little of it in the fall. This one should appeal to a wide range of beer drinkers. If you like any of the northwest ambers, Alaskan, Drop Top, Mac & Jacks, etc., and especially if you think they are a little too sweet, try this one when you can find it.