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Red Rocket Ale

California
United States
Red Rocket Ale
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
91
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Red Rocket Ale is a bastardized Scottish style red ale that traces its origins to Bear Republic's homebrew roots. This full bodied and hoppy brew finishes on the palate with sweet, caramel malt flavors.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.8%
IBUs: 
67
Served at: 
45 - 50°
Judges Review 
BC Review's picture
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Family-owned Bear Republic has been brewing distinctive beers in Sonoma County since first firing the kettle in 1996. At almost 7% ABV, Red Rocket Ale can be described as a bastardized Scottish style ale. Though evincing some classic California style hop aromas, the nose is dominated by sugary caramel, shot through with whiffs of lightly roasted hazelnut. Pushing beyond the upfront caramel and nutty notes, Tim teased out some “tantalizing, ripe raspberry and sweet strawberry” esters and traces of “cacao and light roast coffee.” Lee got locked into the dank hop haze and had high praise for the way the “pungent, orangey hop tang” was perfectly integrated with “a big dose of caramel goodness.” As befits its Scottish antecedents, this brew pours a ruddy copper, interspersed with glints of brilliant ruby, all crowned by a mousse-like, creamy beige head. Leading off with a profoundly caramel malt flavor, this brew evolves in the glass, drifting between malty sweetness and puckering hop bitterness. Tom lauded the beer’s deft balance of sweet malt, sharp hop bitterness, and citrusy “tangerine and Clementine” flavors, pronouncing the beer “entirely too drinkable.” The complexity of the malt intrigued Pete, who likened it to “fresh baked bread with hints of treacle.” A quintessentially California style, Red Rocket is the ideal brew to celebrate the end of a long day as the sun sinks below the horizon.