Arrowhead Red
Bond's Brewing Company

big thanks to my friend who brought back a few cans from these guys to share, all sharp looking packaging, and this is a solid red, a little bit of an old world influence it seems, nice malt depth. a bit of fermentation character that i think adds complexity and indeed warmth, and this feels like a nice approachable fall drinker, football beer, a little more than just a basic red ale, without being exotic or anything, well crafted. a sort of leathery mid amber tone to it, clear with a low shine and a decent flash of white head. aroma on this is malty and earthen, sweet but grounded, light caramel and toffee, raisin without being too fruity, maybe a chestnut thing, quite autumnal, and a bready depth, nice grain freshness here, real light on the hops, simple in a good way, nice and fresh. the flavor has a nuttiness up front thats a little bit unique, almost a candied almond thing, warm, there is a kind of granola vibe in the middle, and more familiar toffee and baked character later, very modest hop balance on the swallow. the yeast hits almost english in this, a subtle but important contribution that keeps this from being one dimensional. smooth in texture, long with the slightly sweet back end, well carbonated, and plenty drinkable, love the lower abv on it (our can says 5% abv). it has a nice malt profile overall, loosely resembles a scotch ale in places, a little richer which i like, well done.

On draught at Old Chicago.

Pours a clear copper colour with a small head of foam.

Smells light. Caramel, light sweet and hoppy notes that I expect from the low abv.

Good Caramel malt with some bready notes, toasted malt, very light bitterness.

Decent mouthfeel.

Good palate cleanser. ;)