Red Evelyn

The beer pours a deep amber color with a faint haze; foam is mousey with fine light tan bubbles and modestly lasting foam stand. Conditioning appears relatively light by the modest tracing of rising gas. Aroma is bright and citrusy, with tones of grapefruit and mandarin, above a spicy/caramel malt background. A hint of rye phenol is evident as is some ethanol, indicating a strong beer is coming. While overall the nose is quite hoppy, it has a pronounced malt character as well. Early flavors are dominated by sharp citrus fruit notes that trail quickly to a big hop bitterness and a surprisingly lush and sweet middle of toffee and caramel with tropical fruit (mango, passionfruit) undertones: almost nectar-like. The late palate fuses the lingering malt sweetness and alcohol warmth that then trails off into an off-dry finish with a distinct rye spice character. Mouthfeel is quite full, accentuated by residual sweetness and the relatively light CO2. Overall the beer is well-balanced and drinkable for such a strong beer, and the rye malt character offers a nice spicy counterpoint to the dominant interplay between alcohol, malt sweetness and fruity new-American hops. Drink carefully.