Metro Red
Port City Brewing

 

Somewhat cloudy, brownish red, dense khaki head, excellent retention, splotchy lace
Aromas of caramel, toasted nuts, and citrus
Tastes like it smells, somewhat sweet in the middle, but finishes dry
Medium bodied, could use a touch more carbonation
Good one

 

Pours a reddish brown color with a nice head and lacing
Aroma has malt and caramel hints
Taste has a malt and caramel flavor
A light bodied well carbonated beer
A good Amber Ale

 

This hoppy red ale brought me back to the SF Bay Area. Reminiscent of house red ales that were found in most microbreweries in the late 1980s (and still?). Cheers!

 

Have you ever escaped the cold of winter by running into your nearest train station? Well that’s what this beer makes you feel like. This Red IPA is the perfect crossroads of an ambler ale and IPA. Think of it like the service connections at Park Street. The Red Line is met by the Green to provide commuters with an efficient transportation experience. This is exactly what this beer emulates. A wonderful crossover of train lines where Amber maltiness meets hoppy bitterness.

I picked this up in Alexandria, VA. While I didn’t get to ride the Metro during my time in DC, I saw this and figured this would be the next best thing. In true 1009 spirit, I brought this back to enjoy with RC before taking a trip on Boston’s own ‘metro’, the infamous Red Line. The bold hop flavors and rich amber color reminded me of the strength and beauty of an Ashmont train chugging through the Somerville tunnels. The bitterness of the hops was balanced perfectly by the maltiness, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Overall, we were impressed with this American red IPA. It was a delicious and well-balanced beer that I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves riding the Red Line as much as we do.”

 

 

 

A 12oz bottle poured into a standard pint glass. Dark red amber color, tan head; good mouthfeel. Sometimes there is nothing better than a full-flavored, well-balanced ale; neither too malty or too hoppy.

 

 

Pour has a nice off-white/tan head that lingers for several minutes. Color is a lovely copper-amber. Smell has a bit of hoppiness, caramel, and a nice burst of citrus fruits. Taste starts with the citrus/hop flavor in the front 1/3, transitioning to caramel/hops in the remaining 2/3. Feel is smooth with a slightly bitter aftertaste that is perfect after a long walk outside.

Bottled on 2/27/19.

Edit 2022: I keep getting these when they come out (and in fact look forward to it), so it seems reasonable to bump the overall +.25. The (re?) branding as a "American Red India Pale Ale" also brings the scent more in line with expectations (+.25).

 

 

Poured from a bottle into a glass.

Overall, a good amber.

Reddish tea-like color. Very cloudy until about half way through when it cleared up (odd). Sticky, foamy lacing. Bright citrus hop smell. A lasting bitter aftertaste mixed with a caramel sweetness.