Cedar Plug
Slack Tide Brewing Co.

Poured from undated but less than a month old 12 oz. can into a tulip glass. It pours ruby red with orange hues and sports a thick, fluffy ecru-colored head and thick lacing. The smell is largely citrus with some malt sweetness and lite floral hops. The taste is malty but the hop bitterness dominates the malt. Only as it warms in the glass does it begin to sweeten with notes of caramel. There are also strong notes of grapefruit rind. Unfortunately, Slack Tide doesn't identify the hops used but they are very effective and provide a strong dose of resinous pine. The finish is very bitter. This ale is well-bodied and pleasantly carbonated and the 9% ABV gives it good substance. Overall, it is an excellent Red IPA; more bitter - and potent - than Celebration.