“Australia holds a special place in our hearts here at Karl Strauss Brewing Company. After all, while on a trip through Australia it was the Sail & Anchor Hotel that provided the inspiration to start a brewery in San Diego. (…) Medium body with well balanced malt and hop characteristics. Pours a bright red hue in the glass, with lingering hoppy, grapefruit and tangerine aromas”.
USA meets Australia in this red ale collaboration. Poured into a shaker glass the appearance displays a ruby red with a white, bubbly two finger head which collapsed quickly to a collar. Laced poorly. Slightly roasted characters are coming through on the nose. Caramel, toffee, toast and orange peel stand out the strongest. All these on the back of a roasted malt sweetness to balance. The only downside is it has a subtle metallic waft at the end which doesn’t really work. Medium carbonation with a dry mouth feel. Medium body. Initially we picked up bitter citrus I.e grapefruit and orange peel. The mid-palate continues on with earthy hints of caramel and malt with a dry, bitter finish. Good length. 6% ABV is spot on and is nicely hidden. To be honest it has the potential to be a really good red ale but its just missing something. Take nothing away from it though, a decent enough offering from this American/Australian collaboration.