Smoked Red Ale
Raquette River Brewing

 

A: A Dr. Pepper like reddish-cola pour with backlighting produces a dark peanut shell head, one half inch in height, but fell rather quickly to a polished surface. Large bubbly surface during the short retention, porous with a rather loud audible. Reddish mahogany, in the vessel with no legs on the surface.

S: Light smoky summer sausage and ham highlights the nose on the open. Hints of raisiny dark caramel and juicy plums, semi-dry. Toasty malting, light fresh smoked wood is fresh from the fireplace with a gentle tone of moderate strength. Smooth and well rounded aroma from start to finish.

T: The flavor showed nice accents of toasted caramel malt being the main standout on the first sip. Raisiny caramel sweetness and toastiness, with some smoky merlot tones, toasted apples and some flowery hop outlines. Soft earthy smoked finish, lightly dry bready feel and caramel toast all combine with toasted grapefruit peel for an nice finish.

M: Edgy carbonation feel, thick syrupy malting with toasted caramel alcohol providing a decent bite. Good warmth, and consistency.

O: A smooth and smoky red ale that is well balanced between the smoky aspect and red ale quality for a perfect marriage of drinking. Not overpowering, drinkable with a fresh smooth campfire and dark fruit enjoyment. Starts and remains strong.

 

Had on tap at the brewery. Pours clear,red in color with one quarter inch head. Taste is big brown sugar, dark bread, and a moderate level of smoke. Medium heavy body, moderate carbonation, sweet and smoky. Another really nice beer from Raquette River. Not quite rauchbier levels of smoke but still more than just lip service, Great beer for a chilly night. Really exceeded my expectations.