Samuel Adams Ruby Mild
Samuel Adams (Boston Beer Company)

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 24th, 2013 - Not often I get to try Mild Ales, but the Samuel Adams seems to deliver a taste of it, though I leave it to experts to comment on its representativeness. The color of the brew is pleasant and probably decidedly English, with a deep walnut brown and red, and on top, a layer of foam, though looser and less mottled. The nose features sweet cherries and a slight tang, and on sniffs two and three, a little perfume of hops appears. I like that, giving it some botanical diversity, without getting too potent or confused. The flavor mirrors the aroma, with a full and frothy mouth feel. The cherry is by now a familiar part of the Ruby Mild, but some toasted almond enters the fray. My impression after a few sips, is that this is very much like an Irish Red Ale, but sweeter, tangier and brighter. It's a curious style, and I much prefer the Irish Red's deep, contemplative sugars, but this Ruby Mild is a nice departure from those for a one-off experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Straight from the bottle at a friend’s party. Couldn’t assess appearance. Minimal insight into aroma. Toasted bread, caramel, late earthy flavor. Also, some fruit undertones. Active carbonation, medium-light body, creamy texture. I enjoyed this more than I expected to. Not overly interesting, but a fair sessionable brew.