St. Rogue Red
Poured from 12oz brown bottle into a clear pint glass. No freshness date. A: Deep ruby with sticky tan head with a lot of lacing and excellent retention. S: Hops are piney and herbal with stronger sweet caramel malt aromas that are lightly toasted. T: Taste is mellow and laid-back with prominent maltiness (which could be stronger and heftier) of caramel and toasted malts is cut with herbal and lightly piney hops. I like that the hops are a bit reined in rather than the harsh edge than some "big red" beers present. M: A tad undermalted (a surprise for a Rogue beer) gives a light-bodied brew that borders on too light. Aftertaste is sweet and malty for the most part. Carbonation is zesty. D: A pretty good Rogue beer -- however, pretty good is below the usual level for this exceptional brewery. I like the mellower character, but more body from a heavier malt load would be welcome.