Coolship Red
Allagash Brewing Company


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Maine, United States
- Style:
- Lambic - Fruit
Ranked #9 - ABV:
- 6.2%
- Score:
- 99
Ranked #262 - Avg:
- 4.47 | pDev: 6.71%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jun 16, 2022
- Added:
- Jun 02, 2010
- Wants:
- 991
- Gots:
- 124
SCORE
99
World-Class
99
World-Class


Notes:
This blend of spontaneously fermented beer is aged on local raspberries. We begin brewing Coolship Red with Pilsner malt, 40% raw wheat, and aged whole-leaf hops. The unfermented wort is then transferred to a large shallow pan called a coolship, which allows the hot wort to mingle with wild yeast and souring microbiota in the Maine air. After fermenting and aging in French oak wine barrels for over two years, we add raspberries and let it rest for an additional four to five months. The finished beer is bright red in color with an aroma of raspberry and oak. Its raspberry-forward flavor is balanced by notes of light funk, apricot, and a tart, dry finish.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
5 by doctorgary from New York on Jun 16, 2022
4.3/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
This is likely spot-on for style, but a bit too much pucker for me. Pours a beautiful berry-red with a quick-fading cap of white. Aroma is heavenly raspberry and very mild funk. Flavors are delicious as well, with tons of berry dominating. Very tart. So tart. But, I don't review so much for style attributes, but whether I enjoy. This one took me 2 sittings.
May 02, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
This is likely spot-on for style, but a bit too much pucker for me. Pours a beautiful berry-red with a quick-fading cap of white. Aroma is heavenly raspberry and very mild funk. Flavors are delicious as well, with tons of berry dominating. Very tart. So tart. But, I don't review so much for style attributes, but whether I enjoy. This one took me 2 sittings.
May 02, 2022
3.95/5 rDev -11.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
by BBThunderbolt from Kiribati
Thanks to Roy_Hobbs for this one, as part of the beatings he delivered during NBS BIF #15. 12.7oz Cork and Caged bottle (Packaged Dec 3 2020) poured into 14oz teku. Poured a lovely dark red color with about 1/8 inch of pink head that quickly dissipated and left no lacing.
The aroma was solidly full of raspberry, with just a light bit of grain in the background.
On the tongue, a big hit of bitterness punches the front of the palate, with raspberry dominating the rest.
The body was light, crisp, had decent carb, and a very dry finish.
Drinkability was very good, I'd like to have regular access to this.
Overall, a very good beer. A must-try if you see it.
May 01, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
by BBThunderbolt from Kiribati
Thanks to Roy_Hobbs for this one, as part of the beatings he delivered during NBS BIF #15. 12.7oz Cork and Caged bottle (Packaged Dec 3 2020) poured into 14oz teku. Poured a lovely dark red color with about 1/8 inch of pink head that quickly dissipated and left no lacing.
The aroma was solidly full of raspberry, with just a light bit of grain in the background.
On the tongue, a big hit of bitterness punches the front of the palate, with raspberry dominating the rest.
The body was light, crisp, had decent carb, and a very dry finish.
Drinkability was very good, I'd like to have regular access to this.
Overall, a very good beer. A must-try if you see it.
May 01, 2022
4.12/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by brewandbbq from New Hampshire
375ml bottle from 2012.
Pours dark copper with a burgundy tinge. Quickly fizzling head with zero retention or lacing. Fairly evident raspberries in the nose with faint cider vinegar and diaper. Light bodied with a slickish, limp mouthfeel. Raspberries on the palate with a solid tartness but short of sour or jammy. Finishes with a nice balance of tart and raspberries.
Apr 21, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by brewandbbq from New Hampshire
375ml bottle from 2012.
Pours dark copper with a burgundy tinge. Quickly fizzling head with zero retention or lacing. Fairly evident raspberries in the nose with faint cider vinegar and diaper. Light bodied with a slickish, limp mouthfeel. Raspberries on the palate with a solid tartness but short of sour or jammy. Finishes with a nice balance of tart and raspberries.
Apr 21, 2022
4.64 by NYR-Zuuuuc from Connecticut on Apr 13, 2022
4.21/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by mvogt from Massachusetts
Draft at the brewery.
Lovely clear pinkish red. Smell is tart and kinda funky. Flavor follows, oak and funk manifest most in the swallow.
Apr 10, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by mvogt from Massachusetts
Draft at the brewery.
Lovely clear pinkish red. Smell is tart and kinda funky. Flavor follows, oak and funk manifest most in the swallow.
Apr 10, 2022
4.34 by sweemzander from Illinois on Feb 22, 2022
4.61 by Bhubbard34 from Pennsylvania on Jan 19, 2022
4.24/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12.7oz corked and caged on 12/3/20. Opened 1-16-22.
1/2" pink tinted head, limited retention and ends up as a partial cap and ring. No lacing. The beer is a glowing red/purple with very good clarity - beautiful color. Tart raspberry, oak, light funk, and vinous quality in the nose. Awesome tart raspberry flavor, bright, rich fruit with bracing acidity. Light body, bright entry, medium acid, all in a dry, tart fruit-filled finish. Outstanding.
Jan 17, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12.7oz corked and caged on 12/3/20. Opened 1-16-22.
1/2" pink tinted head, limited retention and ends up as a partial cap and ring. No lacing. The beer is a glowing red/purple with very good clarity - beautiful color. Tart raspberry, oak, light funk, and vinous quality in the nose. Awesome tart raspberry flavor, bright, rich fruit with bracing acidity. Light body, bright entry, medium acid, all in a dry, tart fruit-filled finish. Outstanding.
Jan 17, 2022
4.39 by o29 from Texas on Jan 15, 2022
4.25 by steverx8 from England on Jan 07, 2022
4.18 by sarpedon52 from Georgia on Nov 14, 2021
4.5 by mattycasey from Massachusetts on Oct 22, 2021
4.7/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by JamFuel from Sweden
Pours a vibrant red with low pink head.
Smell is tart and vinous with notes of fresh raspberries, raspberry jam, lime, oak and bit of funk.
Taste is phenomenal. Tart with tons of fresh raspberries and a bit of jam. Dry and vinous with notes of peach, oak, funk and a bit of bitterness. Nice acidity and tremendous balance.
Mouthfeel is medium and dry with effervescent carbonation.
Overall, a stunning beer. I am a huge fan for raspberries in beer, and this is close to the daddy, Cantillon's Rose de Gambrinus.
Oct 19, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by JamFuel from Sweden
Pours a vibrant red with low pink head.
Smell is tart and vinous with notes of fresh raspberries, raspberry jam, lime, oak and bit of funk.
Taste is phenomenal. Tart with tons of fresh raspberries and a bit of jam. Dry and vinous with notes of peach, oak, funk and a bit of bitterness. Nice acidity and tremendous balance.
Mouthfeel is medium and dry with effervescent carbonation.
Overall, a stunning beer. I am a huge fan for raspberries in beer, and this is close to the daddy, Cantillon's Rose de Gambrinus.
Oct 19, 2021
4.36 by Jkolls from Ohio on Oct 01, 2021
4.59/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by freddyvitols from Texas
Ruby red color somewhat translucent. Licorice and raspberry on the nose. Candied raspberry tart taste with some very yeast notes. Really pops in the mouth; crisp. Lots of flavors here. Solid beer.
Sep 01, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by freddyvitols from Texas
Ruby red color somewhat translucent. Licorice and raspberry on the nose. Candied raspberry tart taste with some very yeast notes. Really pops in the mouth; crisp. Lots of flavors here. Solid beer.
Sep 01, 2021
4.5/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by Methuselah_honeysuckle
Very interesting and complex ale. First, this is definitely a sour. I usually do not like sours but this is definitely one I will keep drinking. The nose is a very light raspberry with a hint of yeast or fruit wine influence. It is a beautiful deep red color. The taste definitely has a fruit wine influence with a subtle bubbly or spicy finish. Overall a fantastic well made beer, especially if you enjoy raspberries.
Sep 01, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by Methuselah_honeysuckle
Very interesting and complex ale. First, this is definitely a sour. I usually do not like sours but this is definitely one I will keep drinking. The nose is a very light raspberry with a hint of yeast or fruit wine influence. It is a beautiful deep red color. The taste definitely has a fruit wine influence with a subtle bubbly or spicy finish. Overall a fantastic well made beer, especially if you enjoy raspberries.
Sep 01, 2021
4.67 by jcoleMA66 from Massachusetts on Aug 29, 2021
4.25 by atlbravsrno1 from New Hampshire on Aug 25, 2021
4.49/5 rDev +0.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by JohnnyHopps from Indiana
Appearance - The beer was pinkish red is color with white bubble clinging to the sides of the glass.
Smell -,The nose brought to mind vinegary red berries.
Taste - There was a lot of raspberry in the taste, but I also detected some tart cherries. It was surrounded by a vinegary presence. The profile was tart, but did not remove tooth enamel. Sourness was lessened by a dry finish.
Mouthfeel - The carbonation was fairly intense, allowing for a dry finish.
Overall - This was a fine, well balanced sour.
Aug 22, 2021
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by JohnnyHopps from Indiana
Appearance - The beer was pinkish red is color with white bubble clinging to the sides of the glass.
Smell -,The nose brought to mind vinegary red berries.
Taste - There was a lot of raspberry in the taste, but I also detected some tart cherries. It was surrounded by a vinegary presence. The profile was tart, but did not remove tooth enamel. Sourness was lessened by a dry finish.
Mouthfeel - The carbonation was fairly intense, allowing for a dry finish.
Overall - This was a fine, well balanced sour.
Aug 22, 2021
4.52 by kmoen from California on Aug 14, 2021
4.4 by BAsbill from California on Aug 14, 2021
4.5 by Ajlvt from Washington on Aug 07, 2021
4.5 by Sweffin from Wisconsin on Aug 03, 2021
3.95 by codytwo from Connecticut on Jul 13, 2021
4.42 by SViterileroux74 from Texas on Jul 12, 2021
4.5 by rare_bird from Michigan on Jun 22, 2021
4.5/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by mfrogs from New York
Look: beautiful, opaque garnet red. Soft white head evaporates quickly; no lace. Ring of tiny bubbles along the glass.
Smell: subtle sour raspberries. Some funk. All gorgeous.
Taste: sharp, tangy, sour raspberry with some funk and vinegar. Beautiful rich fruit with sharp notes taking it up and up.
Feel: Lots of sharp, active, elevating tiny bubbles. Sharp on the tongue in the best possible way.
This is a magnificent beer. All angles, sharpness, acid, funk, and fruit. And bubbles. It's alive...
Jun 15, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by mfrogs from New York
Look: beautiful, opaque garnet red. Soft white head evaporates quickly; no lace. Ring of tiny bubbles along the glass.
Smell: subtle sour raspberries. Some funk. All gorgeous.
Taste: sharp, tangy, sour raspberry with some funk and vinegar. Beautiful rich fruit with sharp notes taking it up and up.
Feel: Lots of sharp, active, elevating tiny bubbles. Sharp on the tongue in the best possible way.
This is a magnificent beer. All angles, sharpness, acid, funk, and fruit. And bubbles. It's alive...
Jun 15, 2021
4 by MilwaukeeBeerMaker from Wisconsin on May 19, 2021
4.24/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by WunderLlama from Massachusetts
Caged and corked bottle dated dec3.,2020 and opened May 16,2021
Fizzy pink foam immediately evaporated over a translucent ruby red liquid
Aroma is tart raspberries
Taste is tart , raspberry , and more tart , hint of apricot , the funk is there
Very tart , fizzy sudsing , tart bone dry finish
Good beer
May 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by WunderLlama from Massachusetts
Caged and corked bottle dated dec3.,2020 and opened May 16,2021
Fizzy pink foam immediately evaporated over a translucent ruby red liquid
Aroma is tart raspberries
Taste is tart , raspberry , and more tart , hint of apricot , the funk is there
Very tart , fizzy sudsing , tart bone dry finish
Good beer
May 16, 2021
4.58 by MeredithGurnee on May 13, 2021
4.25 by RiceOwls27 from Texas on May 04, 2021
3.46/5 rDev -22.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by jbertsch from Massachusetts
I want more funk. The raspberry character is big but the beer lacks depth. Would love to get some musty barnyard or brett character to provide some dimension. Wouldn't buy again.
Apr 28, 2021
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by jbertsch from Massachusetts
I want more funk. The raspberry character is big but the beer lacks depth. Would love to get some musty barnyard or brett character to provide some dimension. Wouldn't buy again.
Apr 28, 2021
4.35 by wshinevar from Massachusetts on Apr 25, 2021
4.52 by NolaHopHead from Louisiana on Apr 23, 2021
4.46 by kreg02 from Illinois on Apr 05, 2021
4.44 by LeftHanded666 from New York on Apr 05, 2021
4.31 by caffeinelogic from New York on Mar 28, 2021
4.71 by ajcuster89 from Indiana on Mar 25, 2021
4.67 by Cashbail from New Hampshire on Mar 23, 2021
Coolship Red from Allagash Brewing Company
Beer rating:
99 out of
100 with
816 ratings