Imperial Red Ales, anyone?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Mongrel, Oct 28, 2013.

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  1. Mongrel

    Mongrel Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2013 Maryland

    IRAs, if we can call them that, are quickly becoming becoming one of my favorite beer styles. The one that was included in Sierra Nevada's beer camp box this summer was phenomenal - the far and away standout of the pack, imo. And then I had one that was similarly remarkable at the Devil's Backbone tap room the other night (don't think this one's commercially available).

    I like that you usually get all of the hoppy, piney punch of any IPA, but with a velvety, frothy mouthfeel, and a much broader range of fruit flavors than your typical tropical/citrus profile. Deeper fruit flavors like plum, grapes, fig and berries are always a nice surprise.

    Aside from the aforementioned brews, there's of course, G'Knight, but can anyone recommend some further examples that fit the IRA bill?
     
    #1 Mongrel, Oct 28, 2013
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  2. azorie

    azorie Pooh-Bah (2,471) Mar 18, 2006 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    SN beer camp a year or so ago.
     
    #2 azorie, Oct 28, 2013
  3. EdTheEdge

    EdTheEdge Initiate (0) Mar 26, 2011 California

    Tongue Buckler.
     
    #3 EdTheEdge, Oct 28, 2013
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  4. TEKNISHE

    TEKNISHE Initiate (0) Jan 12, 2011 Pennsylvania

    green flash hop head red is nice
     
    #4 TEKNISHE, Oct 28, 2013
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  5. TheFlern

    TheFlern Initiate (0) May 9, 2009 Idaho

    Redside IPA isn't an IRA but it's pretty close.

    Slaughterhouse by Payette is pretty good.

    Telluride Brewing also does one that is pretty good but the name escapes me right now.
     
    #5 TheFlern, Oct 28, 2013
  6. Mongrel

    Mongrel Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2013 Maryland

    Indeed. Forgot about that one -- great beer. Is there rye in hop head red? The fruit profile is really nice, but I recall a more rye-like mouthfeel. Not that I mind at all.
     
    #6 Mongrel, Oct 28, 2013
  7. ERRL710

    ERRL710 Initiate (0) May 6, 2013 Illinois

    Pipe Works Sam Vs Unicorn
     
    #7 ERRL710, Oct 28, 2013
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  8. CassinoNorth

    CassinoNorth Initiate (0) Apr 5, 2013 New Jersey

    Nosferatu.
     
    #8 CassinoNorth, Oct 28, 2013
    bozodogbreath, kwakwhore, Qbdoo and 15 others like this.
  9. spicoli00

    spicoli00 Pooh-Bah (2,305) Jul 6, 2005 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    lagunitas lucky 13
    pipeworks blood of the unicorn

    edit: 2 bros revelry
     
    #9 spicoli00, Oct 28, 2013
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  10. TheMachoMan

    TheMachoMan Initiate (0) Oct 22, 2013 Kentucky

    Got the Revolution Red Skull in my fridge right now, awaiting the weekend. Solemn Oath had one that was a Belgian Imperial Red, think it was the Man vs. Internet but don't quote me on the name. And it was good.
     
    #10 TheMachoMan, Oct 28, 2013
  11. LoquaciousC

    LoquaciousC Initiate (0) Aug 10, 2010 Ohio

    GLBC Nosferatu is a beer I look forward to every year and arguably the best I've had.
     
    #11 LoquaciousC, Oct 28, 2013
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  12. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,155) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah

    It isn't imperial, but Odell's Red (which is being renamed to Runoff Red IPA) is, IMO, the best this style has to offer (at least of those that I have tried.)

    Enjoyed an Epic Imperial Red at their taproom this weekend. Found that to be surprisingly better than I expected.
     
    #12 denver10, Oct 28, 2013
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  13. Mongrel

    Mongrel Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2013 Maryland

    Thanks. Been meaning to try Lucky 13.
     
    #13 Mongrel, Oct 28, 2013
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  14. TequilaSauer

    TequilaSauer Initiate (0) Dec 31, 2006 Florida

    Cigar City Tocobaga and Nugget Nectar are right on the line and, to me, nothing beats them.
     
    #14 TequilaSauer, Oct 28, 2013
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  15. dedbeer

    dedbeer Pundit (767) Jun 23, 2013 Illinois

    Revolution Red Skull
     
    #15 dedbeer, Oct 28, 2013
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  16. bleakies

    bleakies Maven (1,355) Apr 11, 2011 Massachusetts

    Lagunitas Imperial Red and Cambridge Red God have been my faves of recent years.
     
    #16 bleakies, Oct 28, 2013
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  17. palvarado73

    palvarado73 Initiate (0) Oct 16, 2010 Illinois

    Revolution Red Skull is a favorite of mine
     
    #17 palvarado73, Oct 28, 2013
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  18. Tayloraphilips

    Tayloraphilips Initiate (0) Aug 9, 2013 Texas

    Velvet Hammer brewed by Peticolas fits everything you want
     
    #18 Tayloraphilips, Oct 28, 2013
  19. jcos

    jcos Pundit (802) Nov 23, 2009 Maryland

    Alesmith Yulesmith Winter
    GL Nosferatu
    Oscar Blues G'Knight
    Ninkasi Believer Double Red
    Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale


    A favorite category of mine.
     
    #19 jcos, Oct 28, 2013
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  20. SammyJaxxxx

    SammyJaxxxx Initiate (0) Feb 23, 2012 New Jersey

    Zoe by Maine beer co
    Nugget Nectar is the benchmark
     
    #20 SammyJaxxxx, Oct 28, 2013
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