Sherbrooke Big Al's Red Kiss
Alley Kat Brewing Company

Managed to snag one of the remaining cases of this on the shelves at Sherbrooke, their Valentine's Day special release.

Food colouring listed as an ingredient on the label? I'm not sure whether to respond "hmmm...." or "tsk tsk". Kinda what we all assumed Molson was doing with their Rickard's Red from day one, or at least originally. This Big Red Kiss looks natural enough in appearance, a hazed chestnut that turns to burnished copper when held up to direct light. A finger's width of cream coloured head that settles quickly.

Rich toffee malts on the nose, just a hint of grassy hops. I don't smell any food colouring....

Rich toffee malt up front in the flavour, it takes on almost a dry wafer taste/texture nearing the middle, finishing with wet grassy hops, and more dry crisp wafer in the aftertaste. Definitely best consumed when warmed up a bit from the fridge.

Mouthfeel is fairly light, yet at times it gives off the impression that it is fuller than it actually is. The full flavour really holds the whole experience up. Very sticky, malty aftertaste after a while.

A tongue in cheek (although who's tongue in whose cheek?) approach to a Valentine's Day special release, I suppose for those who perhaps wish to boycott the holiday in their own special way. A very curious label--and title--, that's for sure. Swaying slightly from the middle of the road as far as the style is concerned, most certainly concentrating on the maltier aspect, the hops are almost nondescript. A decent local offering for a red ale, although a bit steep in price for what it actually is. The price for small batch brewing. And it's still more worthwhile than a Rickard's Red....

Pours a crisp ruddy copper, with a few fingers of thick eggshell head. It's quite a nice beer to look at. The aroma is all malt, light at that, with a spiciness that I can only guess at resembling cloves. Reminds me slightly, since it's an Alley Kat seasonal, of the Pumpkin Pi Ale from last fall. The taste is more straight-ahead red ale, sweet caramel malt, with a minor hop presence to keep it almost in balance. There persists in the taste a sense of the autumn spices, somewhat warming. The carbonation is rather mild, making this an overall easy drinker. Decent, although not my favorite seasonal offering from Sherbrooke and Alley Kat; however, the amusing take on "celebrating" Valentine's Day scores additional points from me for representing the other side of the proverbial coin. Now only if someone would release a hop and malt tribute to March 14...

Another beer brewed for Sherbrooke Liquor Store, this one for Valentine's Day.

Copper coloured and quite clear. A thin cap of beige head formed after a quick pour. Food colouring is one of the ingredients, why it was necessary I don't know.

Light malty aroma, a touch of sweetness and cinammon come to mind.

Taste is on the lighter side as well. Fairly sweet caramel flavour, with only a light hop to balance it. Finish isn't bold enough to really have a distinct flavour.

A bit of slickness and ready carbonation make for a reasonable mouthfeel. Overall it is a very easy drinking beer that doesn't really take any risks. Slightly sweet and inoffensive.