Equanimity
Ursa Minor Brewing

Was on the road again for much of this fall and this was something I came across at the Gran Malais Liquor Store in Grand Malais, Minnesota. Never had anything from Ursa Minor before and even though it was far from Saint Patrick's Day, this was a really enjoyable Irish Red Ale that had a lot going for it!

Not the least bit surprising that this had a rich, mahogany red hue to it that was just a bit dark and inviting at the same time. Enough head topped it off as it was uneven and quick to settle. Waves of lacing stuck around around the sides of my pint glass with a thin ring topping it off. Lots of caramel, some tea, and a bit of spice and citrus in the nose as the taste was just as varied and lovely. More bread and malt emerged as this warmed up with the end result being a beer that was full-bodied, cloying, and low in perceived hops.

Ditto for the booze as it was here, but hardly detectable. Lots of subtle notes here but overall, this was a smooth, full, and likeable beer that was fitting for nearly any time of the year. Canned on 9/5, this held up well and would be even better on tap, with a bit more bubbles to it. As it was, this was one of the better examples of the style that I had, down to the fitting label that appeared to be straight out of the Emerald Isle!

 

A - Pours a dark copper-brown body, clear with red highlights, off white head with subtle gray tint, and extensive lacing.

S - A strong tea note off the hops, with a honey sweetness, and soft pine and lemon elements. It comes across as a sweet tea themed brew, which is not bad. Not bad at all.

T - The open is full of caramel notes, malty, with a touch of lemon citrus. In the middle, the bread aspect comes forward, and in the finish the tannic tea notes offer a touch of bitterness to the close.

M - Moderate weight and decent carbonation, a clean, slightly dry finish, and just a touch of resin lingering on the tongue.

O - One of the better Irish Reds I've had. The balance is solid, the flavors are satisfying and quite drinkable, and the experience is stackable. Solid.

Canning date: 09/29/2023
Age: 274 days
L: Dark amber with almost no head.
S: Strong toffee and mild dried fruits.
T: Dominant caramel and medium toffee with a hint of that aged parmesan cheese smell you'd get in a typical belgian Saison. Ends with a slight bitter hop finish that lingers in the mouth. Medium carbonation.
F: Malty, heavy, satiating, nice mouthfeel.

Since "Irish Red" isn't a real style, haven't had a chance to try too many from this style. Having said that, this is a good malty amber ale that drinks similar to a english brown ale. As a fan of british ales in general, this is a surprisingly good one from a local brewery.

This is one of the best Irish Red Ale's I've had.

Burnt orange color....malty aroma of toffee and caramel..great toffee influenced malty flavor...notes of caramel and breads as well.

Very malty impressions but finishes clean and with a light dryness. Great beer for the style. If you like this style you would like this beer.

 

 

Got a mix & match six pack from the brewery itself in Duluth. Poured into a pint. A bit of beige head, which does not stick around. Lovely caramel amber.

Sweet caramel malt nose.

Taste follows, but nuttier. Hops are muted, which was a surprise.

Smooth and wet mouth.

Very drinkable and good with food. Could be mistaken for a lighter brown ale.