Moby Red
Depoe Bay Brewing Co. / The Horn Public House

my first from these guys, and still yet to stop, despite having driven by here a dozen times or more over the last bunch of summers, a shame, but always somewhere to be i guess. i was glad to finally try one of their beers. this is a robust and flavorful red ale, and its pretty well made, but at the end of the day its just a red ale, hard to get too stoked up on it, although they did a nice job with it and i would not call it generic. i think it flirts with being irish style, not that is has much of that fermentation character, but its not totally neutral either, its on the dry side for what it is, and the grain does bring just a little european vibe, nutty, toasted, kilned, earthy, and warm, sturdy without being heavy or rich, and with hardly any hops, perhaps a sprinkle of something noble-esque to balance it, but not a big part of the equation with this one. i get toasted bread, light raisin, subtle smoke and peat, and wet wood, along with toffee and brown sugar notes. its great with greasy fatty heavy food, not lost to bold flavors but not a meal on its own either, i think it really works in that context. good carbonation, smooth and almost creamy feeling to me, slightly more bitter at the end as it warms up a little. overall a tasty red beer that seems food versatile and a fine first impression of this brewery, which i swear i will stop at and have a few next time passing through!

 

Cheap half price growler at Tsunami Taproom in Salem OR
$3.75 ( blew the keg).Pours a slightly hazed darker amber red colour..small beige head.
Fine malty/toffee./ biscuity aromas..pleasant.
Taste similar to the aroma but with some piney and floral hoping near the end.
Nice smooth and semi dry mouth feel.
Really nice drinking ale..a good amber