Snowshoe Red Ale | New Glarus Brewing Company
Brewed by:
New Glarus Brewing Company
Wisconsin, United States | website
Style: American Amber / Red Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.70%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
Settle in with Wisconsin's Snowshoe Ale. This beer is brewed with a blend of American and German malts. We also infuse generous amounts of hops from Slovenia and the Great Pacific Northwest to add a special note of warmth for your winter evening's enjoyment.
Expect this beer to be a beautiful copper-red, with a fruity ale body and a spiced hop finish. Then sit back and rejoice in the season because it's these Wisconsin winters that keep the whiners out.
Added by Winter on 03-31-2002
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 171 | Ratings: 459
4/5 rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Brilliant copper tinted amber, smooth, fruity, rich, malty with some caramel notes. Medium body and carbonation. The hops are mild but it is full flavored and easy to drink.
★ 173 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Brilliant copper tinted amber, smooth, fruity, rich, malty with some caramel notes. Medium body and carbonation. The hops are mild but it is full flavored and easy to drink.
★ 173 characters
3.73/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Reddish amber in color with excellent clarity. A fingernail of off white head covers the rim and half of the top. Aroma is of caramel and biscuity malt. The flavor is caramel and lightly sweet amber malt with a gentle bitterness from some German hops at the back of the palate. The mouth is dry and smooth.
★ 310 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Reddish amber in color with excellent clarity. A fingernail of off white head covers the rim and half of the top. Aroma is of caramel and biscuity malt. The flavor is caramel and lightly sweet amber malt with a gentle bitterness from some German hops at the back of the palate. The mouth is dry and smooth.
★ 310 characters
3.9/5 rDev +6.3%
From notes on 1/14/14
Light red color. Pretty strong fruity malty smell. Nice light crisp flavor. Great balance of malt and hops. Just a touch of fruitiness. Very smooth and refreshing.
★ 186 characters
From notes on 1/14/14
Light red color. Pretty strong fruity malty smell. Nice light crisp flavor. Great balance of malt and hops. Just a touch of fruitiness. Very smooth and refreshing.
★ 186 characters
3.79/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
12oz Bottle
$7.99 6-Pack
Roy's Market - New Glarus
Snowshoe proudly displays a chestnut hued body with a touch of haze. When I step outside it shines like a penny fresh out the mint. A dirtied white head (nearly beige) sits atop, a robust finger in height. It eventually settles into a silky cap that leaves impressive lacing down the glass.
The nose is full of esters. Fruity off the bat with green apple and orange notes most noticeable. The hops are faint but add a touch of spiciness in the background. While this seems to be a yeast driven beer the malt profile is no slouch with nutty caramel and soda bread laying a solid foundation. The overall balance is superb.
Ester driven fruitiness is in full force on the palate. The malt profile comes across more toasty than the nose suggested but the nutty caramel and soda bread are still present in smaller amounts. Green apple and spiced orange lead the yeast charge while the finish is soft white pepper spicy, even a little grassy after the swallow. Nicely done.
The body lies right in the middle of the spectrum, weight wise. Supple carbonation adds a silky texture. There's a mild bite on the finish from the spicy hop profile while the finish dries out long after the swallow. Drinkability is high with this one.
Snowshoe isn't flashy, it isn't a showstopper. It is a comforting, well rounded, easy drinker. I like to come across a beer so well crafted. The yeast profile is unique and even handed while the hops add a touch of spice, and the malt body is an all around pleasure. I'll be picking this one up again in the future and it's not a style I usually reach for.
★ 1,633 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
12oz Bottle
$7.99 6-Pack
Roy's Market - New Glarus
Snowshoe proudly displays a chestnut hued body with a touch of haze. When I step outside it shines like a penny fresh out the mint. A dirtied white head (nearly beige) sits atop, a robust finger in height. It eventually settles into a silky cap that leaves impressive lacing down the glass.
The nose is full of esters. Fruity off the bat with green apple and orange notes most noticeable. The hops are faint but add a touch of spiciness in the background. While this seems to be a yeast driven beer the malt profile is no slouch with nutty caramel and soda bread laying a solid foundation. The overall balance is superb.
Ester driven fruitiness is in full force on the palate. The malt profile comes across more toasty than the nose suggested but the nutty caramel and soda bread are still present in smaller amounts. Green apple and spiced orange lead the yeast charge while the finish is soft white pepper spicy, even a little grassy after the swallow. Nicely done.
The body lies right in the middle of the spectrum, weight wise. Supple carbonation adds a silky texture. There's a mild bite on the finish from the spicy hop profile while the finish dries out long after the swallow. Drinkability is high with this one.
Snowshoe isn't flashy, it isn't a showstopper. It is a comforting, well rounded, easy drinker. I like to come across a beer so well crafted. The yeast profile is unique and even handed while the hops add a touch of spice, and the malt body is an all around pleasure. I'll be picking this one up again in the future and it's not a style I usually reach for.
★ 1,633 characters
4.3/5 rDev +17.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: A modest finger tall foam composed of fine, slightly off white bubbles that sustained for days. The beer is nearly crystal clear (in true NG fashion) with a mahogany to redish color. A constant stream of bubbles comes up from the bottom of the standard pint glass.
S: Mild to moderate toasty bready malt character (munich?) with a nice clean fermentation character that enhances the herbal, earthy, and nobel hop aroma.
T: Perfectly balanced but the malt and hop character are very distinct and flavourful. At first the hop character comes off very germanic, noble with the spicy and herbal bitterness, clean and moderate. The next comes the complex malt malt character, Bready, toast, bread crust and sweet pie crust. very nice. The finish comes through with the herbal hop character from the aroma. And a slight roast.
M: A medium bodied, clean mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. The complex malt feel makes it feel like a higher abv, big beer (not a bat thing) but its not.
O: I was very taken a back by this beer. Huge malt and hop character, nice balance great flavor overall. Cheers NG. I will definitely revisit this next year.
★ 1,143 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: A modest finger tall foam composed of fine, slightly off white bubbles that sustained for days. The beer is nearly crystal clear (in true NG fashion) with a mahogany to redish color. A constant stream of bubbles comes up from the bottom of the standard pint glass.
S: Mild to moderate toasty bready malt character (munich?) with a nice clean fermentation character that enhances the herbal, earthy, and nobel hop aroma.
T: Perfectly balanced but the malt and hop character are very distinct and flavourful. At first the hop character comes off very germanic, noble with the spicy and herbal bitterness, clean and moderate. The next comes the complex malt malt character, Bready, toast, bread crust and sweet pie crust. very nice. The finish comes through with the herbal hop character from the aroma. And a slight roast.
M: A medium bodied, clean mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. The complex malt feel makes it feel like a higher abv, big beer (not a bat thing) but its not.
O: I was very taken a back by this beer. Huge malt and hop character, nice balance great flavor overall. Cheers NG. I will definitely revisit this next year.
★ 1,143 characters
3.89/5 rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear reddish amber with a modest head. A fine topping of bone colored froth persists.
The nose presents a nice malty aroma without any noticeable hop presence.
The taste contains a good malty flavor with slight sweetness and a light fruity note. Light balancing hop.
Mouthfeel is light/medium and moderately frothy.
A nice little red ale.
★ 351 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear reddish amber with a modest head. A fine topping of bone colored froth persists.
The nose presents a nice malty aroma without any noticeable hop presence.
The taste contains a good malty flavor with slight sweetness and a light fruity note. Light balancing hop.
Mouthfeel is light/medium and moderately frothy.
A nice little red ale.
★ 351 characters
3.69/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear amber, with nice frothy head of slightly off-white bubbles. Attractive tree-line lace.
Nose is caramel malts and grains. Little more to say there.
Taste is malty up front, with plenty of toasty caramel notes. There's a hint of fruit and citrus in there, adding some brightness to the flavor. Followthrough is lightly bittered by the hops, but it's quite subtle.
Overall a pleasant and very enjoyable, even top-tier amber in my book.
★ 449 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear amber, with nice frothy head of slightly off-white bubbles. Attractive tree-line lace.
Nose is caramel malts and grains. Little more to say there.
Taste is malty up front, with plenty of toasty caramel notes. There's a hint of fruit and citrus in there, adding some brightness to the flavor. Followthrough is lightly bittered by the hops, but it's quite subtle.
Overall a pleasant and very enjoyable, even top-tier amber in my book.
★ 449 characters
3.5/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a darker amber with a half finger of foam.
Noble hop earthy and spiciness, biscuits, and caramel.
Biscuity and caramelly malt sweetness, noble spiced hops.
Light-bodied, medium carbonation, crisp, dry.
Overall, a subtle style and a nice attempt at it, but highly lacking.
★ 281 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a darker amber with a half finger of foam.
Noble hop earthy and spiciness, biscuits, and caramel.
Biscuity and caramelly malt sweetness, noble spiced hops.
Light-bodied, medium carbonation, crisp, dry.
Overall, a subtle style and a nice attempt at it, but highly lacking.
★ 281 characters
3.43/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle with a 0034 date....that would be January 3, 2014. Not super fresh, but I think it'll work just fine.
A: Poured into a pint glass. Deep brown/red, clear beer. Lots of bubbles coming up the middle form a toffee colored head that's approximately one finger. It's dense with good retention.
S: Lots of malts and dark fruit on the nose. Bit of alcohol and spicy hops present as well. Pretty luscious fruit, actually. Decent smell.
T: Roasty, nutty malt flavor up front. Pick up some of those dark fruits in the middle. Ends with a slightly spicy hop note along with a metallic twang.
M: Really smooth and easy drinking. Carbonation isn't as abrasive as it looks. Medium body.
O: Reminds me of Lagunitas Censored, but less fruity and a bit more spicy. Pretty average red ale.
★ 788 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle with a 0034 date....that would be January 3, 2014. Not super fresh, but I think it'll work just fine.
A: Poured into a pint glass. Deep brown/red, clear beer. Lots of bubbles coming up the middle form a toffee colored head that's approximately one finger. It's dense with good retention.
S: Lots of malts and dark fruit on the nose. Bit of alcohol and spicy hops present as well. Pretty luscious fruit, actually. Decent smell.
T: Roasty, nutty malt flavor up front. Pick up some of those dark fruits in the middle. Ends with a slightly spicy hop note along with a metallic twang.
M: Really smooth and easy drinking. Carbonation isn't as abrasive as it looks. Medium body.
O: Reminds me of Lagunitas Censored, but less fruity and a bit more spicy. Pretty average red ale.
★ 788 characters
3.21/5 rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
12 oz. bottle was enjoyed this evening, on a very cold and blustery WI winter evening. Cool label. Digging the red snow shoes.
It poured a beautiful amber color, with a small foam head - and provided little lacing.
Smells of caramel and a hint of toasty malt. Not overwhelming by any means.
Solid carbonation, and medium bodied.
Heavy on the malts w/ caramel, fruity, toffee tastes on the front end. Finishing with definite hoppy character. Piney comes to mind with definite spice.
I have had many New Glarus beers that have been more memorable. This one was decent, but not one I would search out again on purpose.
★ 620 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
12 oz. bottle was enjoyed this evening, on a very cold and blustery WI winter evening. Cool label. Digging the red snow shoes.
It poured a beautiful amber color, with a small foam head - and provided little lacing.
Smells of caramel and a hint of toasty malt. Not overwhelming by any means.
Solid carbonation, and medium bodied.
Heavy on the malts w/ caramel, fruity, toffee tastes on the front end. Finishing with definite hoppy character. Piney comes to mind with definite spice.
I have had many New Glarus beers that have been more memorable. This one was decent, but not one I would search out again on purpose.
★ 620 characters
3.56/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle, 347th day of 2013. Poured into a O'so snifter today, 2/15/2014.
App- Absolutely beautiful clear dark amber body. Nice 1 finger white head, good retention, nice thick white collar, good lacing
Smell- Floral hops, caramel, bread, biscuits. Smells a lot like an Oktoberfest, and smells very appealing.
Flavour- Caramel, bread. A little bit of banana, yeasty spices. Heavy on the malts. Not as interesting as it smells, but solid and not offensive at all.
Mouthfeel- Perfect carbonation, medium bodied. Aftertaste is the aforementioned faint yeasty spice. Very easy to drink.
Overall- Nice winter red ale, especially for its price and availability in Wisconsin. Nowhere near being Dan's best brews, but it's definitely a solid local red ale.
★ 755 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle, 347th day of 2013. Poured into a O'so snifter today, 2/15/2014.
App- Absolutely beautiful clear dark amber body. Nice 1 finger white head, good retention, nice thick white collar, good lacing
Smell- Floral hops, caramel, bread, biscuits. Smells a lot like an Oktoberfest, and smells very appealing.
Flavour- Caramel, bread. A little bit of banana, yeasty spices. Heavy on the malts. Not as interesting as it smells, but solid and not offensive at all.
Mouthfeel- Perfect carbonation, medium bodied. Aftertaste is the aforementioned faint yeasty spice. Very easy to drink.
Overall- Nice winter red ale, especially for its price and availability in Wisconsin. Nowhere near being Dan's best brews, but it's definitely a solid local red ale.
★ 755 characters
3.63/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours orange/reddish copper with a creamy off-white head. Lacing sticks.
The smell is of lightly roasted caramel, with some floral/tropical fruitiness.
The taste is sweet - towards caramel - roasty with slightly burnt notes weaving in and out. Juicy topical fruits add flavor without without becoming bitter.
It is a bit thin, but creamy. Alcohol warmth comes through.
A nice, warming, red ale.
★ 398 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours orange/reddish copper with a creamy off-white head. Lacing sticks.
The smell is of lightly roasted caramel, with some floral/tropical fruitiness.
The taste is sweet - towards caramel - roasty with slightly burnt notes weaving in and out. Juicy topical fruits add flavor without without becoming bitter.
It is a bit thin, but creamy. Alcohol warmth comes through.
A nice, warming, red ale.
★ 398 characters
3.24/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Clear red amber color produces nice 1" cream colored head. Lots of tiny bubbles so it looks to have fairly good carbonation. Smell is very malty with spicy, floral backdrop. Good bread taste that has just hints of vanilla and a slight banana sweetness. This beer has good carbonation and leaves a little tang at the end, and is somewhat creamy.
Overall this not the typical style of beer I drink, but this would be a good way to convert me to the red ale style. Very impressed and was a fun drinking experience.
★ 513 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Clear red amber color produces nice 1" cream colored head. Lots of tiny bubbles so it looks to have fairly good carbonation. Smell is very malty with spicy, floral backdrop. Good bread taste that has just hints of vanilla and a slight banana sweetness. This beer has good carbonation and leaves a little tang at the end, and is somewhat creamy.
Overall this not the typical style of beer I drink, but this would be a good way to convert me to the red ale style. Very impressed and was a fun drinking experience.
★ 513 characters
3.42/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. brown longneck poured into an imperial pint glass. The beer is red/amber with a fairly thick beige head. It has pretty decent lacing.
It has an aroma of malts/grains and a bit of something vegetal.
Taste is slightly sweet with a caramel & biscuit notes from the malts. There is a bit of alcohol heat which surprises me as I can’t remember any NG beer having that. There is some red apple and crackers taste mid-glass.
The mouth is standard, with a bit substance.
Not a bad beer, but there are a lot of NG beers I like better. Reviewed while listing to Cow Girl in the Sand by Neil Young and Crazy Horse.
★ 620 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. brown longneck poured into an imperial pint glass. The beer is red/amber with a fairly thick beige head. It has pretty decent lacing.
It has an aroma of malts/grains and a bit of something vegetal.
Taste is slightly sweet with a caramel & biscuit notes from the malts. There is a bit of alcohol heat which surprises me as I can’t remember any NG beer having that. There is some red apple and crackers taste mid-glass.
The mouth is standard, with a bit substance.
Not a bad beer, but there are a lot of NG beers I like better. Reviewed while listing to Cow Girl in the Sand by Neil Young and Crazy Horse.
★ 620 characters
3.85/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I think this beer is a little underrated by BA , and I think it is because the final product is definitely bigger/better than the sum of the parts. Definitely malt forward with just a enough bitterness to add some character and nice streak of hoppy fruitiness to be interesting and enjoyable. But the malt is the driver, toasty and heavier than that. It carries a nice winter vibe to it. Even a bit hearty for a milder and easier drinking beer. Bigger carbonation than typical gives is a beefier feel even though the base is lighter than moderate. Darker amber color moving towards browns. Tan head. Aroma is a tad of sweet water and glimmer of fresh green hops, but a base of toasted malt.
★ 690 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I think this beer is a little underrated by BA , and I think it is because the final product is definitely bigger/better than the sum of the parts. Definitely malt forward with just a enough bitterness to add some character and nice streak of hoppy fruitiness to be interesting and enjoyable. But the malt is the driver, toasty and heavier than that. It carries a nice winter vibe to it. Even a bit hearty for a milder and easier drinking beer. Bigger carbonation than typical gives is a beefier feel even though the base is lighter than moderate. Darker amber color moving towards browns. Tan head. Aroma is a tad of sweet water and glimmer of fresh green hops, but a base of toasted malt.
★ 690 characters
3.35/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a New Glarus 20th Anniversary Pilsner glass.
The beer pours a nice red amber color, hues of copper and light brown, a little hazy but fairly clear with a soft, bone colored head that vanishes quickly and leaves no lace behind. The aroma is of soft malt, noble, earthy hops, a touch of brown sugar and caramel, but the soft grain really dominates. The flavors are in line with the nose, lots of soft grain, gentle hops, brown sugar but with less caramel, the grains take even more precedence. The body is bubbly, lively, good carbonation, coats the mouth well with a lightly dry finish that feels a bit out of place.
Verdict: A remarkably unremarkable beer from New Glarus. It's about as middle of the road as it comes, certainly quaffable, but nothing to write home about. It's gentle, it's simple, but unfortunately it's just a bit weak. It doesn't drum up any excitement for the season, nor provide any warming or boisterous qualities that a stout or barleywine might showcase during winter.
★ 1,020 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle poured into a New Glarus 20th Anniversary Pilsner glass.
The beer pours a nice red amber color, hues of copper and light brown, a little hazy but fairly clear with a soft, bone colored head that vanishes quickly and leaves no lace behind. The aroma is of soft malt, noble, earthy hops, a touch of brown sugar and caramel, but the soft grain really dominates. The flavors are in line with the nose, lots of soft grain, gentle hops, brown sugar but with less caramel, the grains take even more precedence. The body is bubbly, lively, good carbonation, coats the mouth well with a lightly dry finish that feels a bit out of place.
Verdict: A remarkably unremarkable beer from New Glarus. It's about as middle of the road as it comes, certainly quaffable, but nothing to write home about. It's gentle, it's simple, but unfortunately it's just a bit weak. It doesn't drum up any excitement for the season, nor provide any warming or boisterous qualities that a stout or barleywine might showcase during winter.
★ 1,020 characters
3.72/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz.
A: Pours a clear amber with a nice off-white head.
S: Bready European malt and yeast in the nose. A hint of citrus and grassiness.
T: Doughy, muted caramel sweetness, mild leafiness, toasted grain.
M: Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
O: A decent showcase of the malts used, but not much beyond that. Might as well drink Uff-da if you want something in the same vein but better.
★ 395 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz.
A: Pours a clear amber with a nice off-white head.
S: Bready European malt and yeast in the nose. A hint of citrus and grassiness.
T: Doughy, muted caramel sweetness, mild leafiness, toasted grain.
M: Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
O: A decent showcase of the malts used, but not much beyond that. Might as well drink Uff-da if you want something in the same vein but better.
★ 395 characters
3.16/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
This poured a malty caramel-amber with generous foam. There’s a caramel malt aroma with some chocolate notes. I'm getting mostly caramel on the palate too, with a caramelized sugar and a bitter bite to give it definition. Too much caramel. And too many bottles of this in my 12-pack sampler too. Meh.
★ 302 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
This poured a malty caramel-amber with generous foam. There’s a caramel malt aroma with some chocolate notes. I'm getting mostly caramel on the palate too, with a caramelized sugar and a bitter bite to give it definition. Too much caramel. And too many bottles of this in my 12-pack sampler too. Meh.
★ 302 characters
3.87/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
poured 12oz bottle into snifter. Odd to drink this in July, but the temp is only in the 50's today!
A - Nice deep brown amber color with a foamy 2 finger cracker colored head. Good lacing and a thin collar on my glass.
S - A slight fruity scent from the PNW hops. Plenty of malt similar to a Marzen and Amber mix. Bready and some caramel along with a touch of floral hops.
T - A nice, slightly fruit flavor up front that transcends into a bready, caramel, and malt mix. Really is like an Amber and Marzen mix with delicate hops. Just a touch of spice on the finish.
M - Medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth and rich, yet easy to drink.
O - Interesting Amber style that has fruity notes from the hops and a Marzen quality from the German malts. Glad I picked one up to try.
★ 787 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
poured 12oz bottle into snifter. Odd to drink this in July, but the temp is only in the 50's today!
A - Nice deep brown amber color with a foamy 2 finger cracker colored head. Good lacing and a thin collar on my glass.
S - A slight fruity scent from the PNW hops. Plenty of malt similar to a Marzen and Amber mix. Bready and some caramel along with a touch of floral hops.
T - A nice, slightly fruit flavor up front that transcends into a bready, caramel, and malt mix. Really is like an Amber and Marzen mix with delicate hops. Just a touch of spice on the finish.
M - Medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth and rich, yet easy to drink.
O - Interesting Amber style that has fruity notes from the hops and a Marzen quality from the German malts. Glad I picked one up to try.
★ 787 characters
3.68/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A: Deep brownish red in color. Fairly clear. Forms a large light tan head that slowly reduces to a thick surface coating. Lots of lacing.
S: Aroma is full of caramel malts and European hops. A bit bready and a bit grassy.
T: As to be expected, the taste is rather malty. Deep caramel malts dominate, but don't overwhelm. There are some grassy, slightly spicy hops on the back end. Finishes with a cleansing dose of seltzer.
M: On the heavier side of medium in body, but carbonation is fairly heavy, which helps to "lighten" this beer. Mild bitterness. A mildly spicy quality on the back end.
O: I could be fooled into thinking this one was a Marzen, as it is a bit lighter than most red ales and is certainly hopped in the German style. Not a bad beer, but admittedly not my style of choice.
★ 799 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A: Deep brownish red in color. Fairly clear. Forms a large light tan head that slowly reduces to a thick surface coating. Lots of lacing.
S: Aroma is full of caramel malts and European hops. A bit bready and a bit grassy.
T: As to be expected, the taste is rather malty. Deep caramel malts dominate, but don't overwhelm. There are some grassy, slightly spicy hops on the back end. Finishes with a cleansing dose of seltzer.
M: On the heavier side of medium in body, but carbonation is fairly heavy, which helps to "lighten" this beer. Mild bitterness. A mildly spicy quality on the back end.
O: I could be fooled into thinking this one was a Marzen, as it is a bit lighter than most red ales and is certainly hopped in the German style. Not a bad beer, but admittedly not my style of choice.
★ 799 characters
3.6/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12 fl oz brown glass bottle with branded gold pressure cap acquired from the very gracious, very kind Duff27 in a trade and served into a conical Samuel Smith's pint glass in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. Expectations are high given the brewery - which makes some great beers that I really adore. This is my first time trying this one. Not paired with food. Brewed with a blend of American and German malts. Uses hops from Slovenia and the Pacific Northwest. No ABV is listed.
Served straight from the fridge - as I think beers in the style should be. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.
A: Pours an audibly fizzy light khaki colour head of fair cream, nice thickness, and great (~8+ minute) retention for the high ABV. Body colour is a gorgeous vibrant rich amber-copper; now that's what an amber should look like! Rich and inviting. Light lacing clings to the sides of the glass as the head slowly recedes. It's looking great. No yeast particles are visible in the transparent translucent body. No bubble show. Near ideal for the style.
Sm: Caramel malt, bready notes, evocative floral hops, light candi fruit, toffee, and delightful graininess. Malts/grains are perfectly sweet here, with a delightful caramel undertone. A bit of spice, maybe clove or nutmeg. A subtle, appealing aroma. A bit light in strength - its main problem; I want more of that aroma to come through.
T: Ah. Bready caramel, caramalt, floral hops, bready grains, bright fruit, and light spice. The hops have faded a bit with age, but they still feel nicely balanced with the malty focus. I bet it'd be perfectly balanced fresh. No alcohol comes through, but I do get a bit of biscuity yeast. Crisp, clean, and pleasant to drink. A bit crackery, stopping short of graham cracker fullness. It's subtly executed, and boasts impressive complexity for a style so often simple. Never feels too sweet. I get more of the toasted fruity character as it warms, reminding me of a Belgian ale. Clove, crackerbread, and notes redolent of cherries. Tasty stuff.
Mf: Smooth, with a growing dryness as it approaches the climax and finish. Perfect coarseness, with a light scratchiness complemented by the refreshing wetness in a push-and-pull with the palate. Unfortunately, it's a bit thin - that's this beer's biggest flaw by far. It comes off weak. However, the full body yields a satisfying presence on the palate, allowing the full flavour profile to come through as much as possible. It's nice and clean. Carbonation is perfect. Constructively, it could be a bit more crisp.
Dr: A highly drinkable amber. Very enjoyable. Hides its alcohol well. Very sessionable. I'd love to try this fresh on-draught for a fuller hop flavour. Balance is key to the style, and New Glarus brings a lot to the table. I'd definitely have this again. I'd recommend it to amber lovers as well. A solid beer in the style that rises above the many pedestrian ambers out there to deliver a memorable experience. Lovely stuff.
Low B
★ 3,068 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12 fl oz brown glass bottle with branded gold pressure cap acquired from the very gracious, very kind Duff27 in a trade and served into a conical Samuel Smith's pint glass in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. Expectations are high given the brewery - which makes some great beers that I really adore. This is my first time trying this one. Not paired with food. Brewed with a blend of American and German malts. Uses hops from Slovenia and the Pacific Northwest. No ABV is listed.
Served straight from the fridge - as I think beers in the style should be. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.
A: Pours an audibly fizzy light khaki colour head of fair cream, nice thickness, and great (~8+ minute) retention for the high ABV. Body colour is a gorgeous vibrant rich amber-copper; now that's what an amber should look like! Rich and inviting. Light lacing clings to the sides of the glass as the head slowly recedes. It's looking great. No yeast particles are visible in the transparent translucent body. No bubble show. Near ideal for the style.
Sm: Caramel malt, bready notes, evocative floral hops, light candi fruit, toffee, and delightful graininess. Malts/grains are perfectly sweet here, with a delightful caramel undertone. A bit of spice, maybe clove or nutmeg. A subtle, appealing aroma. A bit light in strength - its main problem; I want more of that aroma to come through.
T: Ah. Bready caramel, caramalt, floral hops, bready grains, bright fruit, and light spice. The hops have faded a bit with age, but they still feel nicely balanced with the malty focus. I bet it'd be perfectly balanced fresh. No alcohol comes through, but I do get a bit of biscuity yeast. Crisp, clean, and pleasant to drink. A bit crackery, stopping short of graham cracker fullness. It's subtly executed, and boasts impressive complexity for a style so often simple. Never feels too sweet. I get more of the toasted fruity character as it warms, reminding me of a Belgian ale. Clove, crackerbread, and notes redolent of cherries. Tasty stuff.
Mf: Smooth, with a growing dryness as it approaches the climax and finish. Perfect coarseness, with a light scratchiness complemented by the refreshing wetness in a push-and-pull with the palate. Unfortunately, it's a bit thin - that's this beer's biggest flaw by far. It comes off weak. However, the full body yields a satisfying presence on the palate, allowing the full flavour profile to come through as much as possible. It's nice and clean. Carbonation is perfect. Constructively, it could be a bit more crisp.
Dr: A highly drinkable amber. Very enjoyable. Hides its alcohol well. Very sessionable. I'd love to try this fresh on-draught for a fuller hop flavour. Balance is key to the style, and New Glarus brings a lot to the table. I'd definitely have this again. I'd recommend it to amber lovers as well. A solid beer in the style that rises above the many pedestrian ambers out there to deliver a memorable experience. Lovely stuff.
Low B
★ 3,068 characters
3.16/5 rDev -13.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle, no date into pint glass
Look is a clear amber, slighly dark, small head with good lace. Smell is warm sugary malts, wheat, barley. Taste is wheaty, with some amber-tasting malts, some slight roasty flavor, touch of fishy hops at the end...
Second NG beer that has disappointed (cherry stout was the other). Still, not a bad beer (like cherry stout was).
★ 369 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle, no date into pint glass
Look is a clear amber, slighly dark, small head with good lace. Smell is warm sugary malts, wheat, barley. Taste is wheaty, with some amber-tasting malts, some slight roasty flavor, touch of fishy hops at the end...
Second NG beer that has disappointed (cherry stout was the other). Still, not a bad beer (like cherry stout was).
★ 369 characters
3.84/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A- Amber ale brings...and Amber color!! 2 full fingers of white head. dissipates slowly. Very nice lacing covers glass to top. Tiny little bubbles trickle from bottom. Head never completely dissipates.
S - Carmel and roasted nuts. Malt. Froth.
T - Frothy carmel. German hops. leaves a small bite of crispness. Carbonation hits the back of the throat at the very end.
M - Frothy but feels a bit thin.
O- Its alright. German hops are prominent. Smooth brew but a slight bite at the end. I dont think i would purchase this again tho.
★ 535 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A- Amber ale brings...and Amber color!! 2 full fingers of white head. dissipates slowly. Very nice lacing covers glass to top. Tiny little bubbles trickle from bottom. Head never completely dissipates.
S - Carmel and roasted nuts. Malt. Froth.
T - Frothy carmel. German hops. leaves a small bite of crispness. Carbonation hits the back of the throat at the very end.
M - Frothy but feels a bit thin.
O- Its alright. German hops are prominent. Smooth brew but a slight bite at the end. I dont think i would purchase this again tho.
★ 535 characters
3.81/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
12 oz. bottle served in a Haymarket Goblet. Thanks to BeerMeFitz for the extra!
A: Pours a clear ruby color with a white head forming on the pour. It recedes slowly to a rocky collar that leaves some sticky, soapy lace.
S: Light caramel malt body with some light piney hops and some spiced Euro-style hops.
T: Light caramel malt. Some bready sweetness and some light fruity hops. A little spiced grassy hops reminiscent of German style hops as well with a sweet finish.
M: Medium to light bodied. Medium low carbonation with a sweet, malty finish.
O: I liked the addition of the European hops to this (Scandinavian after reading the label). I wished it was a little more malty, but overall it was nice.
★ 707 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
12 oz. bottle served in a Haymarket Goblet. Thanks to BeerMeFitz for the extra!
A: Pours a clear ruby color with a white head forming on the pour. It recedes slowly to a rocky collar that leaves some sticky, soapy lace.
S: Light caramel malt body with some light piney hops and some spiced Euro-style hops.
T: Light caramel malt. Some bready sweetness and some light fruity hops. A little spiced grassy hops reminiscent of German style hops as well with a sweet finish.
M: Medium to light bodied. Medium low carbonation with a sweet, malty finish.
O: I liked the addition of the European hops to this (Scandinavian after reading the label). I wished it was a little more malty, but overall it was nice.
★ 707 characters
Snowshoe Red Ale from New Glarus Brewing Company
3.67
out of 5
based on 459 ratings.
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Comes in like a red ale alright, red in color. 1/2" beige/off white colored small bubbled head. Aroma of red malts, earthen woodiness.
Taste is straightforward red malts traditional mild hopping. This is a real normal beer, kind of the red ale counterpart to their flagship spotted cow, its just a consistent if not kinda bland for them beer that keeps the lights on (sells in volume). I'd pretty much always recommend this to a friend who is a traditional red ale drinker. Where it excels I guess is that the mouthfeel tends to be a bit more appropriate (thicker) than some of the mass produced ones. Slight more hop mouthfeel too.
★ 641 characters