The Boxer India Red Ale
LowDown Brewery + Kitchen

one of the better beers in here recently, a very solid red ipa, with almost no sweetness from the grain at all. it has a much more earthy and rustic grain property rather than a toasty and sweet one, it seems more balanced, refined, and paid attention to than a lot of these. a full inch of just off white head, airy and puffy on top of a clear brick red beer with a nice radiance about it. smells pretty robust on the hops, centennial maybe, it has that milled lumber woody aspect about it, a little pine and a little bitter grapefruit, not overpowering but certainly substantial. the grain does a nice job providing body for all these hops to ride on, but also of giving a nice complimentary richness without making this too malty or anything, smart to keep it on the drier side. lots of bitterness in the finish, real fresh almost wet hop oil complexion too. carbonation is on point, and this drinks a lot easier than many of its peers. very well executed brew, a crowd favorite for a reason. one of the best beers i have ever had here.

 

 

 

On tap at the brewery. Nice red-amber color, white head. Aroma is a bit of hops but not enough for my liking and only the mildest hint of caramel malt (maybe that was the power of suggestion). Flavor was a decent amber but when I think of a hoppy red or "India Red Ale" I think of things like Lagunitas Lucky 13. I want that piney hop kick and a strong caramel flavor from the malts. This did not have enough of those qualities.