Retro Red
A 12 oz bottle purchased as part of a variety case at Westy's. I've never seen Fort Collins in PA before. A: The red is just that, a brilliant red color that is dulled by some cola brown highlights. I poured the first half with a big head; on complete fill a quarter-finger head blanketed the glass. S: The nose is delicious, full of nutty toffee notes. The malt aroma is quite pleasing and is only marginally cut a citrusy hop character. T: The ale has a solid taste, kicking off with the maltiness from the nose. Here though, the toffee nuttiness is paired nicely with a caramel sweetness, blending the dry and sweet elements. As the malts fade, a hop element comes out that really made my night. The citrusy grapefruit flavor is surprisingly strong, zesting up the taste just as those malts begin to disappear. M: The hop flavor was a real kick in the pants, unexpected but quite welcome (so maybe not exactly like a kick in the pants). The finish stays with the hops, sending the sip out on a high note. D: I was expecting a plain Jane brown ale but this one really kept me guessing. A solid beer that I could drink a couple of.