Raspberry Red Ale
The Fox Brewpub

lots to like about this one, tons of juicy raspberry, authentic enough, not too sugary or candied on the fruit side, so it reads real, and there is some appreciable tang to the fruit too. i love that its an amber type base, not a blonde, so many basic fruity blondes in the world we hardly need another, i was stoked to see this have some malt to it, a glowing clearish copper pour under a short off white head, taking just a little red color from the berries too. the fruit and the grain go really well together, some up front tang in the nose makes my mouth water, sweeter and jammy in the flavor, balanced by a baked biscuity thing to the grain, bready and breakfasty even, perfect hangover beer. there is a toasted note to the malt and a lightly caramelized aspect that makes this hit like a raspberry popover or something, even though the whole thing isnt too sweet to be a pint beer. light acid from the fruit keeps it light, there is perhaps a subtle english element in play, but the ferment is near neutral. its simple beer but is aided by the fact that is has more structure and barley character than is common, really i love the choice of making this an amber at its core. good carbonation, some refreshment value, and a pretty punchy raspberry finish, downright juicy and bold at the end, but still not running away with it. subtly intelligent recipe here and good execution, we liked this one quite well!