HopTown Paint the Town Red

22 ounce bottle re-gifted to me from my girlfriend’s grandfather. He claimed that it was from his son who lives in California, so I have no idea how long it’s been sitting in his fridge. However, the label on the bottle was worn and faded with age, so I anticipated this taste to be quite interesting. Poured a delicious-looking dark brown/amber body with two fingernails of tan head that, within 30 seconds, receded to a tan rim of froth. Beautiful tan lacing and a lovely aroma of piney hops, red fruits, and sweet caramel. Similar flavors with more caramel, subtle wood, some funky yeast, dark fruits, green apple, and a lack of hops character that the bottle label promised to give. Despite the lack of hops, this was a surprisingly great-tasting beer. This has surely been aged since the flavors, although definitely there, were smoothed out and refreshing. Full body and medium/full carbonation. Very good; age this brew if you can.

650 ml bottle from I can’t remember where, it has been in my cellar a while. This one pours a slightly cloudy amber-brown with a medium head that fades fast. The aroma is big with the citrus aromas of cascade hops, also present; some almonds and a bit of cookie dough. The aroma promised great flavor, but in tasting, the goods were not delivered. The flavor was a bit washed out with lime and weak grapefruit; hops were understated. The mouthfeel was silky and inconsistent. The finish was short and a bit sour. Overall: this is an interesting red, it might be great on a hot summer day, but this is spring--so I’ll pass.

In the bomber bottle from HyVee CB. Pours a reddish copper with a boisterous yellow-white head. Citrus aroma with a caramel maltiness as well. The flavor is surprisingly tart. Orange lemon lime tartness. At first, I thought that it was an off flavor, but now realize that the heavy flavor hops are contributing to the citrus mouth. An OK summer beer for the hop fan.

on tap at beachwood bbq..... great stuff.....I think this is up there with my bloody valentine for my fav in this style....great hop flavor and red malt characteristics.....wish pleasanton was closer to me...then russian river would be as well....

pop the cap and there’s a really inviting nose--very bready, citrusy, but then the aroma has some funk to it; not bad; mostly sweet and sour toffee apples, interesting, and worth the drink.