90 Conway’s Irish Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 6.5% ABV (3/11)
Brilliant amber color. Aromas of buttery peanut brittle and peach scone with a supple, finely carbonated dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and notes of fig bread crust, chestnuts and savory-roasted root vegetables. Very nice and made for the table.
86 Irish Red Ale, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (3/12)
Brilliant deep amber color with a long lasting blanket of fine foam. Bold citrusy, coniferous herbal hop, chocolate cookie and bread aromas with a rich, foamy dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy apricot jam, burnt orange peel, radish and faint metallic, phenolic tang on the finish. A very hoppy take on the style.
86 Irish Setter Red, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. (OH). 5.9% ABV (3/13)
Beautiful copper amber color. Aromas of salty baguette and delicate citrus with a supple, dryish medium body and a honeyed nectarine and nut, arugula, mineral and jicama-accented finish.
85 Burly Irish Ale, The Vermont Pub and Brewery (VT). 4.2% ABV (3/12) %{Brewpub}
Deep reddish brown with an olive rim. Mild cocoa, dusty nut and sourdough bread aromas with a dryish light body and an earthy, grainy, peach pit-accented finish.
83 Red Sky Ale, Frankenmuth Brewery (MI). 5.25% ABV (12/11)
Reddish copper color. Aromas of caramelized nuts,buttered raisin toast and pepper with a crisp, supple, dryish medium body and a dried fruit and kale-accented finish. A nice food beer.
82 Tamaltach’s Old Irish Red Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.3% ABV (3/12) %{Brewpub}
Brown color. Aromas of stale peanut butter and figs with a sourish medium body and a sweet chocolate pudding, nutskin, turnip and citrusy floral bath soap-accented finish.