“Brewed in collaboration with the Australian Heritage Hotel. Red Kelly finds the perfect balance between hops and malt in this easy-drinking red IPA. It features just enough smooth and slightly sweet malt body to support huge citrusy and tropical fruit-forward hop flavors from the use of Simcoe, Centennial and Citra hops.”
Glassware: IPA glass.
Appearance: It pours a bold and deep amber hue with excellent clarity. Two fingers of foamy head rests on top. Retention is superb with ample lace as it subsides.
Aroma: Citrus forward with the sweet malts playing 2nd fiddle. Hallmark American hop notes like grapefruit, orange peel and pine resins cut through those syrupy and caramelised malts beautifully. Picking up mild traces of spice (mostly pepper and a hint of fennel seed). Maybe just a flutter of toast getting a look in too. Lovely stuff.
Flavour: They’ve struck a good balance here, the citrusy/fruity hops are nice and direct with that solid malt sweetness at the base. It hits a sweet juicy note in the middle but again it counters with an assertive hop bitterness. A touch of warming booze, caramels and citrusy hop carries in to a well rounded finish which endures.
Mouthfeel: Fairly smooth. The 60 IBU and the 7% ABV is well disguised. Medium body and co2.
Overall: Another fine example of the style from Akasha. It’s no secret that these guys are one of the best when it comes to American-inspired ales and this just reconfirms it. Kudos Akasha!