Traverse Ale
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro

 

16oz. can received from the generous BA known as BeerTunes. This seems to be a one-off brewed to celebrate an athletic event in and/or near Bellingham, Washington. I can remember having only one other Red IPA, at Big Time in Seattle. I think I remember liking it, but also thinking it was essentially a hoppy amber ale, so I’m curious if this will be similar.

Poured into a large mug, this was a russet brown color, almost dark enough to look like cola. When held up to light, it took on a dark orangey amber shade. There was a big, beige fluffy foam head that hung around for a while.

A hop aroma of pine and grapefruit was the most notable aspect of the nose, with a bready malt backbone that’s less strong, but still fairly prominent.

Bitter hops are the first flavor to hit the tastebuds, but are almost immediately paired up with a big, earthy malt backbone. Just before the dry swallow, there was a mineralish taste as well.

Medium bodied, with good carbonation.

A tasty “red IPA,” or a hoppy amber? It was tasty either way, and I’d happily have a couple pints of it were I to run into it on tap in a bar. Thanks, Beer Tunes!

 

Appearance: deep copper. Hazy. Thin head, small bubbles. Thin Lacing, but present.

Smell: caramel. Hops are very floral. Earthy.

Taste: grainy, bready, hoppy, tasty.

Mouthfeel: medium high carbonation. Slightly over carbonated for style. Crisp. Medium-light body. Think Paris Hilton.

Overall: great Red Ale. One of my favorites (based off of one schooner glass).

Traverse Red is brewed annually for The Bellingham Traverse, http://www.bellinghamtraverse.com/ a multi-leg race to raise funds for Salmon Habitat restoration. The beer was served in a straight pint glass in the beer garden at the brewery. Poured a deep red color with less than 1/2 inch of off-white head that quickly dissipated and left minimal lacing.

A solid malt aroma was nicely accented by a sharp hop scent. On the front of the tongue the taste is all malt, slightly sweet, then gives way to the hops across the middle and back of the tongue.

The body is full without being heavy or strong. Drinkability is very good, having several is no problem during this beers yearly appearance. Worth some effort to find, a must try if you see it.

"A generous amount of Vienna, Crystal, and Chocolate malts give this ale a big malty body with a deep ruby color. The addition of Centennial, Mt Hood, and Liberty hops provide a smooth refreshing finish, creating a perfect summer session beer to cool off with after a long “Traverse”. Original Gravity 1.052"

A: Copper-brown; leaves a nice white lace.

S: Bready, biscuity & nutty, with plenty of grapefruit citrus & appricot.

T: Appricot flavour is fairly prominent & tasty. Bread, Grapefruit citrus and a mild touch of light caramel round out the flavour. I was really impressed with the flavour of this brew... definitely one of their best.

M: Moderate body and carbonation.

D: Oh so good.