Paul Kushner
Indulge your palate in a symphony of flavors as we embark on a tantalizing journey through the world of red ales.
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In this exploration of the beer world, we will uncover the finest examples of this rich and robust brew style. From the malty sweetness that dances across your taste buds to the subtle hop bitterness that lingers on your palate, red ales offer a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we unveil the top contenders, the hidden gems, and the secrets behind what makes red ales a beloved choice among beer connoisseurs worldwide.
Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn
Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn is a captivating red ale that showcases a harmonious blend of maltiness and hoppy character. This bewitching brew pours a deep ruby red and boasts a caramel and toffee aroma, which leads to a balanced palate of biscuit malt sweetness and citrusy hop bitterness. With its enchanting flavors and striking appearance, Blood of the Unicorn is a must-try for beer aficionados seeking a delightful twist on the traditional red ale style, making it a true unicorn in the world of craft beer.
Troegs Nugget Nectar
Troegs Nugget Nectar is a revered seasonal ale celebrated for its bold hoppy profile and vibrant amber hue. Bursting with citrus and pine aromas, this imperial amber ale delivers a symphony of flavors, featuring a luscious malt backbone complemented by a resinous hop bitterness. Crafted with Nugget, Warrior, and Tomahawk hops, it’s a hophead’s dream, offering a balanced and robust drinking experience. With each sip, Troegs Nugget Nectar invites you into a world of hoppy delight, making it a cherished choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and flavorful brew.
AleSmith Evil Dead Red
AleSmith Evil Dead Red is a mesmerizing crimson-hued ale that tantalizes the taste buds with a complex medley of flavors. It offers a rich caramel and toffee maltiness, beautifully balanced by a burst of earthy, piney hops. The interplay of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness makes it a perfect companion for hearty dishes or as a standalone indulgence. Its harmonious blend of flavors and lingering hop finish make it a top choice for those seeking a dynamic and well-crafted red ale experience.
New Belgium Fat Tire Ale
New Belgium Fat Tire Ale is a quintessential American amber ale known for its balanced and approachable character. Its malted barley imparts a gentle sweetness, while a touch of toasty notes adds depth. The addition of Willamette and Goldings hops contributes a mild hop bitterness, complementing the malty sweetness. This delightful blend creates a harmonious, biscuity flavor profile that’s perfect for all occasions. Experience this iconic ale’s timeless taste, grab a bottle and savor the harmony of malt and hops. Cheers to the classic craft beer experience!
Lagunitas Lucky 13
Lagunitas Lucky 13 is a bold and robust American red ale renowned for its hearty malt backbone and hoppy punch. This brew features a medley of roasted caramel malts, lending it a rich, toasty sweetness. The addition of Columbus and Northern Brewer hops brings forth a delightful bitterness and a piney, resinous aroma. The result is a harmonious fusion of malt and hops, offering a full-bodied, complex flavor profile that’s both satisfying and adventurous. Dive into the luck of Lagunitas and savor every sip of this unique and captivating red ale.
Green Flash Hop Head
Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale is a standout among the best red ales, offering a thrilling twist on tradition. It balances the sweet caramel and toffee notes from its malted barley with a generous dose of Columbus and Amarillo hops. This hoppy duo delivers a citrusy and floral aroma alongside a bold hoppy bitterness, creating a red ale experience like no other. For those craving an exhilarating fusion of malt and hops, it’s time to embrace the hoppy brilliance of Green Flash Hop Head. Cheers to bold flavors!
Bear Republic Red Rocket
Bear Republic Red Rocket is a true gem in the world of red ales, offering a captivating blend of flavors. With a foundation of pale and caramel malts, this ale presents a robust maltiness, accompanied by a touch of biscuity sweetness. Its character is further elevated by the Cascade and Centennial hops, which contribute a citrusy and piney hop profile. The result is a harmonious symphony of malt and hops, making Red Rocket an exceptional choice for those seeking a balanced yet bold red ale experience.
Mad River Jamaica Red Ale
Mad River Jamaica Red Ale is a delightful embodiment of the red ale style, boasting a captivating fusion of flavors. It features a hearty maltiness that showcases caramel and roasted notes, delivering a rich, toasty sweetness. Complemented by a subtle hop presence, this ale offers a perfect balance. The result is a smooth, medium-bodied brew with a satisfying complexity, making it a go-to choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted red ale. Savor the laid-back vibes of Mad River Jamaica Red Ale and let your taste buds journey to the Caribbean, one sip at a time.
Ninkasi Dawn Of The Red I.R.A. Ale
Ninkasi Dawn Of The Red I.R.A. Ale, hailing from Eugene, Oregon, is a bold and flavorful India Red Ale (I.R.A.). This craft beer showcases a harmonious marriage of caramel and Munich malts, imparting a rich, sweet backbone. It’s then elevated by a blend of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops, delivering vibrant tropical and citrus notes. This unique combination has propelled it to popularity, offering a captivating taste experience that balances malty sweetness with a refreshing hoppy bitterness, making it a beloved choice among beer enthusiasts seeking a vibrant and flavorful brew.
Marble Red Ale
Marble Red Ale, a craft beer masterpiece, welcomes you with a rich maltiness. Its caramel and biscuit notes offer a warm, toasty sweetness, beautifully balanced by the floral and citrusy dance of Amarillo and Centennial hops. This combination creates a delightful taste symphony that lingers on the palate. Sip Marble Red Ale, and you’ll experience the vibrant soul of the Southwest in every drop.
Three Heads Loopy Oatmeal
Three Heads Loopy Oatmeal is a lusciously smooth oatmeal stout hailing from Rochester, New York. It offers a rich, velvety experience with notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a hint of coffee. The addition of flaked oats imparts a creamy texture, elevating the beer’s overall mouthfeel. This flavorful stout is a decadent treat for those seeking a well-balanced combination of roasted goodness and silky indulgence. Savor the delightful complexity of Three Heads Loopy Oatmeal and let it wrap your taste buds in a comforting embrace.
Pizza Port Brewing Shark Bite
Port Brewing Shark Bite is a remarkable contender among the best red ales, hailing from sunny Southern California. This amber ale boasts a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hoppy bite. With a foundation of caramel and toasted malts, it offers a pleasingly rich, biscuity flavor. Amarillo and Cascade hops swoop in with their citrusy, floral notes, making each sip a tropical delight. Dive into the depths of this flavorful brew and experience the bold flavors that have earned Port Brewing Shark Bite its fin-tastic reputation.
Short’s Aorta Ale
Short’s Aorta Ale, a bold craft beer creation, delivers a robust punch of flavors. Rich maltiness dominates with caramel and toffee notes, while Centennial and Cascade hops provide a vibrant citrusy and floral kick. This amalgamation of tastes has propelled it to popularity among those who savor a harmonious blend of malt sweetness and hoppy zest. Perfect for social gatherings and hearty meals, Short’s Aorta Ale brings a burst of flavor to any occasion.
Wicked Weed Tyranny
Wicked Weed Tyranny is a tantalizing imperial stout featuring a harmonious blend of roasted malt and rich chocolate flavors. Hints of vanilla and dark fruit add depth to the brew, creating a complex and indulgent taste experience. When you savor Wicked Weed Tyranny, you’ll be transported to a world of dark, velvety indulgence. It’s the perfect companion for cozy evenings by the fireplace or as a dessert beer after a sumptuous meal.
Smuttynose Kindest Find
Smuttynose Kindest Find is a distinctive American pale ale known for its crisp, refreshing character. With a well-balanced malt backbone and a touch of caramel sweetness, it delivers a smooth, easy-drinking experience. The addition of American hops imparts subtle citrus and floral notes, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a sessionable yet flavorful beer. Whether you’re relaxing on a sunny day or seeking a go-to brew for everyday enjoyment, Smuttynose Kindest Find offers a pleasant and approachable taste journey.
Kern River Dirty Hippie
Kern River Dirty Hippie is an exceptional red ale originating from Kernville, California. This brew boasts a unique twist on the traditional red ale style. With a foundation of caramel and Munich malts, it offers a rich, toffee-like sweetness. Simcoe and Amarillo hops then add a surprising burst of tropical and piney notes, making it a standout among red ales for its intriguing blend of maltiness and hoppy character. Dive into the rebellious spirit of Kern River Dirty Hippie and experience the fusion of flavors that has garnered it a dedicated following among craft beer enthusiasts.
Red Hoppocalypse Imperial Ale
Red Hoppocalypse Imperial Ale stands out with its bold combination of caramel malts and an avalanche of Amarillo and Centennial hops. This fearless brew marries malt sweetness and hoppy intensity, creating a striking contrast that sets it apart from others. Best served slightly chilled, Red Hoppocalypse Imperial Ale invites you to savor its rich maltiness and the pronounced bitterness of Cascade and Centennial hops. Each sip delivers a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a memorable and refreshing choice for beer enthusiasts.
Mispillion Holy Crap! Imperial Red Ale
Mispillion Holy Crap! Imperial Red Ale is a flavorful delight, offering a robust blend of caramel and toasted malt sweetness balanced by a touch of spicy rye. The addition of Amarillo and Centennial hops imparts a citrusy and piney hop character, providing a well-rounded taste experience. Best enjoyed slightly chilled, this ale’s complexity shines when paired with hearty dishes, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a harmonious fusion of malt and hops. Its bold flavors and versatility make it a beloved pick among beer aficionados seeking a memorable and satisfying red ale.
DESTIHL DeadHead Double Red Ale
DESTIHL DeadHead Double Red Ale is a captivating brew that stands out with its bold and complex flavors. This double red ale combines rich caramel and toffee notes with a generous hop presence, creating a harmonious blend of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness. The result is a beer that boasts a robust and full-bodied character, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate the interplay of malt and hops in their craft beer experience. Sip, savor, and embrace the adventurous spirit of DESTIHL DeadHead Double Red Ale.
pFriem Family Brewers Red Ale
pFriem Family Brewers Red Ale is a true masterpiece, harmoniously blending specialty malts and hops. Caramel and toasted malts provide a rich, biscuity sweetness, beautifully complemented by Amarillo and Simcoe hops, which add citrusy and piney notes. This beer promises a balanced, flavorful experience. Raise your glass and discover the exquisite interplay of malt and hops, making each sip a journey worth savoring. Cheers to the craft beer connoisseurs who appreciate excellence!
