Review - Rogue Ales' Santa's Private Reserve Ale
"Rogue's annual holiday offering, Santa's Private Reserve, is a variation of the classic Saint Rogue Red, but with double the hops--including Chinook, and Centennial, and a mystery hop called Rudolph by head brewer John "more hops" Maier! This holiday elixir is brewed with two-row Harrington, Klages and Munich malts, along with Hugh Baird 30-37, Carastan 13-17, and Crystal 70-80 malts, plus free range coastal water and proprietary top-fermenting Pacman yeast." -- Rogue Ales
Santa pours a rich caramel color, 'present'ing a large, frothy light-brown head that sets up with a fantastic choppy, frothy appearance. A deep amber colored body remains, surrounded by barely surviving lacing that faintly clings to our glasses. The aroma is dominated by citrus hops, but it does manage to allow the malt undertones to shine through. Initial taste is a light bitter, but it quickly kicks up to a moderately bitter finish with an intriguing sour/bitter presence. Delicious malty taste thats well balanced with the hops. Light to medium bodied, it has a creamy texture with soft carbonation that elevates the taste to the front of our mouths, leaving us relishing the next sip.
Reviewed on May 15th, 2007.
