90 Samuel Adams Irish Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (3/11)
Copper brown color. Lovely chocolate granola, cashew butter and date bread aromas with a supple, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium body and a frothy jicama, honeyed rye toast and grassy hop finish. Tasty.
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.
89 Michelob Irish Red Ale, Michelob Brewing Co. (MO). 5.7% ABV (2/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of brown sugar, alfalfa honey and buckwheat pancakes follow through on a round, frothy entry to a tangy dryish medium body with dried apple, cherry and dark roasted nut notes. Finishes with a very crisp, cocoa dusted citrus, mossy stone and molasses tinged fade. Very nice with good depth of roasted malt and snappy hops.
88 Rojo Ojo Red Ale, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep amber in color with touches of ruby. Pours a pillowy strawberry-blonde head and has nice retention leaving delicate lace behind. Red licorice, rye bread and hop spiciness in the aromas. Soft entry with a smooth mouthfeel. Evenly toasted caramel malt backbone, well balanced, with a playfully spiky hop finish. Lingering spicy hops in background and subtle warming alcohol notes. An easy quaff at 6 percent ABV. Try with a corned beef sandwich.