Fruity nose, sweet barleymalt palate, and dry citric-hop tang given distant candied nut-berry backdrop. Closer to amber ale as its bright fruit zest directly counters brazen grain bitterness, but lack of bite diminishes piney finish.
RED HOOK DOUBLE BLACK STOUT WITH COFFEE
Progressively worse 2008 version, nicknamed ‘db,’ is a limited edition Imperial Stout sham. Disturbing astringency, shrieking metallic twang, and dirty mildewed oiliness override hop-charred stove-burnt coffee frontage. Chalky Baker’s chocolate souring, resinous cocoa bittering, and lulling licorice lapse disrupt coffee bean expectancy. Needs richer molasses penetration, better espresso creaming, cozier hazelnut-walnut backdrop, and more overall depth.
RED HOOK DOUBLE BLACK STOUT
Ever since Red Hook stopped brewing these with Starbuck’s Coffee (around the year 2000), the double’s halved in value. Not as heavy, full-bodied, or firm as original, lacking the rich coffee-nut thrust necessary for Guinness-like world class status. Happily, the charred hop bitterness remains.
RED HOOK DOUBLE BLACK STOUT (WITH STARBUCK’S COFFEE)
Brewed with Starbuck’s coffee, this now-defunct deep java-centric dry stout is never overbearingly bitter and perfect as a crossover for amateurs. Fresh Northwest water smoothness softens black chocolate resilience, creamy mocha latte scheme, and mild nutty undercurrent. Truly great distinctly robust alternative to decaffeinated coffee.
(RED HOOK) CHINOOK COPPER ALE
Casual dry-bodied lightweight with slim grain roast, spiced hop tingle and embittered lemon-peeled apricot tang American wheat fans and pale ale lovers may appreciate.
RED HOOK BLONDE ALE
Unconvincing stylistic frivolity personified. Creamy barley-roasted malt pleasantry battles back wavered fruit sweetness existing somewhere below fizzy surface. Musty grain aura suits blue collar pilsner fanatics while summer ale drinkers may enjoy distant citric tang. Too predictable.
RED HOOK BLACK HOOK PORTER
Worthy ebony-hued London-styled porter combines roasted barley-oat alacrity with thick black chocolate malt extract for mouthwateringly robust treat. Lively hops fuel carbonation as rich grain bottom solidifies dry nutty contour without becoming too filling, enabling you to drink that much more!
RED HOOK BALLARD BITTER INDIA PALE ALE
Caramelized apple waft and toasted barleymalt sash juxtapose dry hop-spiced orange-grapefruit bitterness of relaxing well-balanced IPA.
RED DOG PREMIUM
Miller Brewing’s “uncommonly smooth” pale-bodied lager has red ale-like spice-soured hop fizz, cereal-grained malt lark, and toasted barley sweetness preferable to boring malt liquors such as Colt 45 or Elephant, but too astringent for recommendation.
(ATLANTA) RED BRICK PEACHTREE PALE ALE
Zesty orange-peeled grapefruit rind bittering invades nose then sour lemon-bruised tongue. Bark-wooded pine nuts further embitter hop-headed delight.
(ATLANTA) RED BRICK BROWN ALE
Really fine full-bodied southern ale may lack creamy resilience, but not rounded nutty makeup. Oily coffee surge embitters cocoa-powdered toffee malts and hazelnut-pecan-walnut illusions. Fig-date souring enhances peanut shell reminder.
RED BELL PHILADELPHIA ORIGINAL LAGER
Sugary malt summit and soft-buttered sourdough valley juxtapose dulled grain bitterness, displaced citric sourness, and cardboard bottom of blase’ pale lager. Brewery defunct: 2007.