Review - Boston Beer Company's Irish Red
"The gentle rain and fertile soil of Ireland helped inspire this style of ale, known for being remarkably balanced. Pale and Caramel malts give the beer its rich, deep red color and distinctive caramel flavor. The sweetness of the malt is pleasantly balanced by a pronounced hop bitterness and an earthy note from the East Kent Goldings hops. Samuel AdamsĀ® Irish Red finishes smooth and leaves you wanting to take another sip." -- Sam Adams
Pours a dark amber color with some hints of red, generating a very healthy tan head with superb retention. Very tight lacing leaves some sticky rings on the glass. Frothy head remains even after a long duration. Aroma is of creamy malts with some sweet caramel notes of moderate strength. Initial taste is surprisingly sweet for a red with some nice malt notes, moving to only ever so slightly bitter at the finish. Medium bodied, it has a creamy texture with some gentle carbonation.
Very tasty, much better than mainstream Irish-style red beer, with much more complexity, less bitterness, and a touch of sweetness.
Reviewed on November 23rd, 2008.