“This ale is based on ‘American Imperial Double Red Ale’ according to the British Ale Style Guide. With a dark red brownish colour, a firm creamy head and lots of fruity aromas on the nose, this ale has a big, malty body with late bitterness. The Red has been crafted with big dry hop aromas coming through from citrusy and tropical fruity hop varieties. With late lingering bitterness it is in perfect harmony with the fruity hop aromas. This Thoroughbred goes well with Asian and Curry dishes and presents well when matched to blue cheeses and smoked meats.”
Served in an IPA glass. The cloudy copper hue arouses an off-white two finger overlay that steadily reduces to a thin sheet over the top. Some healthy lace trails are left clinging to the glass. The aroma of this beauty is something to behold. Before you even put it to your nose you’ll get a gorgeous waft of candied and juicy tropical fruits. Lychee, pineapple, mango and passion fruit all spring to mind instantly. Adding even more depth and sweetness is the robust caramel malt backing that exudes wafts of sherbet, artificial berries and caramelized sugars. All of this held together by a brilliantly masked but traceable alcoholic scent. Excellent balance. Absolutely superb aroma. In the mouth the 7.9% ABV reveals itself with a slight warming on the tongue. The hefty malt profile smooths it straight out, leaving a really silky and velvety texture on the palate. Once again smooth and brilliantly balanced. Upfront it’s like an explosion of tropical fruits, sweet caramel malts and a gentle alcohol warmth. Almost like a fruity summer cocktail that tantalizes the taste buds. As it progresses through the mid the assertive bitterness (60 IBU) replaces the lapsing alcohol burn. Juicy lychee, pineapple and mango power on through to a heightened hoppy finish, lingering on the back palate nicely. This right here is one of the main reasons why we love craft beer. Absolutely delicious, and a world class India red ale. Simply brilliant….We loved it. If you couldn’t half tell!