Irish Red
Barbarian Brewing

a pretty authentic irish red here, perfect for this time of year, not to me quite as dialed as their irish stout, which is pure fire, but a really good pint as we come into march here, and maybe the only one of these locally i am aware of. pretty crimson to garnet color on it, clearish with a creamy off white head, looks great in the glass in the dim light of their brewery taproom. the nose is subtle, as is often the case with this style, some obvious maltiness but it isnt sweet, concentrated yes, but more bready and nutty and sort of granola-like than caramelized, a nice complexion, some doughy old world yeast is in play, a faint cocoa note, almond too. the flavor is more expressive than the nose, and there is a toffee up front sweetness. the yeast is defining here, ancient and bready and bringing out a neat mineral profile, pretzel dough, and a chalky thing. again almond, faint spiciness, brown sugar, wet soil, and warm dark bread, very good, very springtime to me. smooth and long on the palate but not sugary late, simple in the best possible way, drinkable as they come, slightly creamy, crazy silky. real good beer, an underappreciated style, and this one presents as quite authentic. glad they made this!