Sipsey River Red
Goat Island Brewing

 

Had on tap. Reddish brown in color with a tan head and lacing. Not much on the nose but the flavor is good with a stronger caramel coming through. Good bet

 

As a fan of ambers, in general, I'd place this one near the top of my list.

 

 

Tasted from a 12 oz can.

L - Copper colored and just slightly hazy. Huge initial head climbed out of the glass, causing me to stop pouring at half a can. After receding it maintains as a 1/4 inch thick, fluffy layer of bubbles and strong lacing.

S - Strong Northwestern US hops aromas; citrus and pine, but also an earthy note. There is also a strong yeast note that seems out of place.

T - Strong citrus hops flavor along with bready malt and a tiny hint of roasted grains, as is appropriate for a red ale. The yeast note from the aroma is also present in the flavor, especially the finish.

F - Medium body. Smooth, low carbonation. Medium hops bitterness is strong for a red ale, but not totally out of place. Low but noticeable alcohol presence.

O - The beer seems like a solid one, but my sample has been strongly flawed by excessive carbonation and a yeasty flavor and aroma. As an experienced homebrewer, I am pretty confident in calling these the signs of a low grade microbial contamination. I'd like to try another one that doesn't have a sanitation problem and give it another chance.

Poured from an undated 12 oz. can: beautiful reddish-brown with sunset golden highlights when held up to the light. The foamy, off-white head lingers for a while then subsided leaving some intricate lacing.


A very surprising and pleasant aroma for a red ale, this one has the aromatics of domestic hops, i.e. citrus and pine.

The hop profile follows to the flavor with a surprising hop bit right away, perhaps slightly too bitter. Please allow this ale to warm a little in the glass to appreciate the balance of hops and malt, as the initial taste was slightly one dimensional in flavor. The flavor profile includes hints of plum, molasses, and faint roast. I believe this ale would improve with a stronger malt profile to complement the hops. Somewhat crisp and refreshing, no worry about cloying flavors here.

Medium bodied with a slick mouthfeel and lingering bitterness on the tongue.

It is always good to try a beer from a relatively new brewery in the fine state of Alabama. This ale would be excellent if the hops were toned down some - still worth seeking.

From a 12 oz can into my Sam Adams “perfect pint” glass, dark amber-brown color with plentiful tan-brown head with plenty of staying power. Nice looking beer. Nose of sweet, slightly peppery bready malt with notes of brown sugar/molasses. In the mouth there’s a nice toasted malty, dark sugar flavor up front with a bit of dry hops in the back. Rich and creamy mouth feel, very smooth, little carbonation but it feels great. This is a “red ale?” Well I guess. It’s surely delicious. Would definitely try again.

I tried this at Swampers in the Marriott Shoals hotel. It poured a clear amber with thin white head that is leaving a spotty lace. The scent had caramel malt tinge. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink. The mouthfeel is lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it was a decent amber.

 

Good, solid beer