Recurring Nightmare
Country Boy Brewing

For a craft beer climate that doesn't offer much in the way of red ale, it certainly in a nightmare for the drinker who wants balanced, nuanced and characterful beer. But a trip to Country Boy turns it all into a dream.

Pouring a deep amber ale, Recurring Nightmare floats a creamy eggshell froth and a toasty scent with tropical, candied fruit and citrus. Sweeter with caramelized malts, the early palate extends those toasty introductions with bready, nutty and bread crust character. Met with a hoppy balance, the flavors of orange and apricot balanced with pineapple and mango with a trending bitterness that only balances the lingering sweetness. Pine, grasses and peppery tea-like herb closes out the session with an even-keel balance.

Medium bodied, medium intensity and with a malty-dry demeanor overall, the ale focuses on malt flavors more than hops but shows that there's room for sensible ale in today's beerscape after all.