Red Ribbon Ale
The Original Basil T's

This pours with an amazingly creamy & long lasting cream colored head. Nice reddish-brown clear liquid. Very fruity (from the black cherries used in brewing) and hoppy nose...smells great! Taste is first biscuity with a chewy mouthfeel, malt sweetness following right behind, a big burst of fresh hop bitterness and then slight nutty and cherry-ish flavors appear. Finishes quite a complex blend of the dry and the sweet...a beautifully made beer, as are all I have tried from this brewpub.

I had two glasses of this brew. Two different kegs and and two different experiences. I will combine them into a single review. Beer poured a rich dark garnet with a tightly beaded, creamy off-white head. The first glasses aroma was delightfully malty with sweet caramel, and a faint floral hop aroma. Maybe a hint of licorice. The second glass had an overpowering aroma of Anise - licorice that all but masked the hops and malts. So too with the taste, the first glass was nicely balanced though a tad tilted toward the malty side - which was okay. The second glass had a strong licorice flavor that ultimately prohibited me from finishing it. Mouthfeel was slick and substantial, with faint carbonation and a lingering floral hop finish. The beer in the first keg was very drinkable, the second was not to my liking at all.