Honkers Red Ale

Drank massive quantities of this stuff at the Rochester Honkers baseball game. Real good for a red (generally not a big fan of the style), malty but with enough hop presence to be interesting. Great mouthfeel and balance. Get it if you can find it.

On tap at the Parkway Pub in Lanesboro, MN. Here they call the beer "Schell’s Rosie’s Red." Thanks to Wawood for tipping us to the Brewer’s practice of selling this to bars and allowing them to name it what they wish. Reddish amber with a white head. Floral aroma. Very sweet, but finishes tart. Thin body. Kind of like an apple soda pop.

I have had this several times over the years going to Honkers’ games, but never got around to rating it. I had it last night, and I’ll have to tell you that it is much improved from the tinny, bland slightly roasted malt beverage it used to be. It is still malt dominated, but is fuller in body with no noticeable flaws. It has a nice amber body with lots of carbonation flowing up to the head, which is a creamy off-white. A faint touch of hops is a nice touch, although more would be welcome. To my knowledge, this is supposed to be 3.2% ABV in order to comply with a MN liscense to serve beer at a ballpark, but I have to believe this is more. I’m guessing Schell accidentally slipped them a stronger keg of the stuff. This is apparently referred to as "Schell Amber" at the brewery and is supposedly their "house brew" that they provide to multiple establishments who can rename it as their own.

This manages to be a lighter beer appropriate for watching a baseball game, while having enough body to be of interest to the serious beer drinking. A little on the sweet side, but not too sweet, with an excellent head and wonderful aroma.