Ricky Rosé Ale

Ricky Rosé Ale is being evaluated as a Category 30A Herb/Spice/Vegetable beer spiced with the aforementioned hibiscus in a Category 18A Blonde Ale as per the 2021 BJCP guidelines. It is an interesting offering — a brut-like pale ale amply spiced with hibiscus that has been fermented out with champagne yeast.

The aroma is simply loaded with hibiscus, dominating the character. There are some sweet brown notes that also come through behind this that are actually a bit surprising considering the yeast used for the ferment. Champagne yeast normally chews up characters like this.

The clarity is fantastic. The brew has a golden color with a rather small white bubble head that dissipates quickly. Just like in the aroma, a floral hibiscus character dominates the flavor. There is a light brown sweetness in the middle similar to that in the aroma as well. The finish is moderately dry with a touch of malt backbone behind the floral flavor. The body is medium thin, as expected for the yeast used.

The overall impression of Ricky Rosé Ale is that of rather bright strongly hibiscus-forward clean dry-ish ale. If you are a fan of hibiscus, this is definitely a great option for you! It does come off as bring rather one-dimensional in this respect, however. Still a quite unique offering that delivers on what it proposes to do. Cheers and Enjoy!