Reaper Redemption Red
Ale
Review Date 12/4/2003
Try?
Re-buy?
Last night, I
popped the top off of another 22 ounce bottle of one of Reaper Ale’s
fine brews. And I have to tell you, so far these guys are batting 1000. The
last time around, I was heartily impressed with their Deathly Pale Ale,
and now I’m happy to report that I also very much enjoyed their
Redemption Red Ale, an American-style amber/red ale.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect. American amber/red ales cover a pretty large spectrum, usually with a distinct caramel maltiness and a fruitiness of varying levels. Hops can run from assertive to restrained, and some beers that claim to be in the style are red in color only, with minimal flavor and character. Happily, the latter was most assuredly not the case with Redemption Red Ale.
Are you seeking Redemption? If so, you will currently only find it in California, Nevada, Kentucky, and Georgia. Reaper Ales plans to bring Redemption soon to those who live in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Redemption is worth seeking, as are the other ales in the company’s line of brews.
Reaper Ales Redemption Red Ale pours to a bright ruby red color with
a thick creamy head formation and a soft malty, slightly fruity nose. There
is a touch of chocolate malt discernible in the palate, which imparts a very
subtle bitter chocolate character. Notes of chewy caramel and fruity apple
are here too, and the beer has good mouthfeel right into the finish. There,
a light bitterness balances the brew nicely with a bit of citric hoppiness.
I very much enjoy the way fruity and malty flavors work together so nicely
in this beer.
In a way, it reminds me of an old California favorite, Rhino Chasers Amber Ale. I think this is a really wonderful brew, but while sipping I couldn’t help but think that with just a little more citric hops in the finish it would really be something special. All the same, it’s an excellent beer well worth checking out, and much superior I think to many beers in the admittedly broad style.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure what to expect. American amber/red ales cover a pretty large spectrum, usually with a distinct caramel maltiness and a fruitiness of varying levels. Hops can run from assertive to restrained, and some beers that claim to be in the style are red in color only, with minimal flavor and character. Happily, the latter was most assuredly not the case with Redemption Red Ale.
Are you seeking Redemption? If so, you will currently only find it in California, Nevada, Kentucky, and Georgia. Reaper Ales plans to bring Redemption soon to those who live in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Redemption is worth seeking, as are the other ales in the company’s line of brews.
Reaper Ales Redemption Red Ale pours to a bright ruby red color with
a thick creamy head formation and a soft malty, slightly fruity nose. There
is a touch of chocolate malt discernible in the palate, which imparts a very
subtle bitter chocolate character. Notes of chewy caramel and fruity apple
are here too, and the beer has good mouthfeel right into the finish. There,
a light bitterness balances the brew nicely with a bit of citric hoppiness.
I very much enjoy the way fruity and malty flavors work together so nicely
in this beer. In a way, it reminds me of an old California favorite, Rhino Chasers Amber Ale. I think this is a really wonderful brew, but while sipping I couldn’t help but think that with just a little more citric hops in the finish it would really be something special. All the same, it’s an excellent beer well worth checking out, and much superior I think to many beers in the admittedly broad style.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
