Rogue Ales 'Santa's Private Reserve' Red Ale. 5% abv. 65 IBU. Orange-red color. Thin ivory head. Moderate retention, good lacing. Nose of caramel, fruity, malty, sweet citrus, earthy spice. Front taste of toffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, light brown sugar, orange peel. Aftertaste is fruity bitter hops, roasty malt, earthy spice, with a sweet finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, thick, sticky, juicy.
This is a wonderful beer. Despite being a seasonal winter/xmas beer, the flavor profile reminds me of the year-round BrewDog 'Dogma' Scotch Ale. Malty with a balanced sweet citrus and plenty of fruit and spice notes. Despite the moderately high IBU count, the hops profile here is set to the backseat by the tall malt and and spice. Hopheads will still enjoy this beer, so long as they know not to expect a hop bomb.
Though this beer is similar in taste and body to a good Scotch ale like Dogma, it's not quite as rich and nutty, which is likely what landed this unique brew as a red. However, it's surely a dessert beer best enjoyed after dinner, ideally relaxing in front of a fire, presumably during the holidays. Well recommended.
Though this beer is similar in taste and body to a good Scotch ale like Dogma, it's not quite as rich and nutty, which is likely what landed this unique brew as a red. However, it's surely a dessert beer best enjoyed after dinner, ideally relaxing in front of a fire, presumably during the holidays. Well recommended.
From the brewery:
"A double hopped Red Ale, reddish in color with a roasty, malty flavor and a well balanced spruce finish."
[source: rogue.com]
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