Redhook CopperHook Spring Ale

Brewed by Redhook Brewery
Style: Amber Ale
Woodinville, Washington USA

Serve in English pint, Shaker

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A fair little pale ale. Spicy, somewhat metallic nose of possibly noble hops. Amber, rather than copper color, with medium ordinary head. Flavor initially softly presented, with a medium body and light carbonation. Malts are understated but lightly bready and offer just enough sweetness. Hop flavors are minimal, slightly tingly and spicy, perhaps citric. There’s an astringent, possibly carbonic bite right before the semi-dry balanced finish. A good pale ale, all things considered.

There is a stark contrast difference between the initial flavour and the aftertaste of this fairly hoppy beer. Like the WinterHook, I’m not partial to it’s flavour, but it is similar to the Pyramid SnowCap in that there are a lot of hard to place off-flavors roaming around in the glass, almost as if you’re not sure what is about to assault your tastebuds next. Definately a tasting experience, and I will try it again!

Draught at Hole in the Wall, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Phoenix. I was pretty excited to come across a Redhook brew I hadn’t tried, or heard of, before. And judging from the low number of ratings, either it is new or its distribution is limited. Some sweetness in the nose. Copper in color (imagine that), no head. Slightly hazy body. Nice flavor; well balanced. Some bitterness. I enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind having it again. It would appear that there’s a macro bias underrating this brew.

2003 or 2004 bottle. Lovely medium-orange-amber color, with a touch of sediment floating around. Decent white head. Appearance looks great so far. Aroma is citrus hops, grapefruit, orange marmalade and some more fruity spiciness compliments of the hops. Flavor is moderately bitter, but well-balanced (relative to the style of course). Which by the way, how is this an amber ale??? Anyways, it’s got a good dry toffee/caramel like malt that dosent get too sweet but holds the bitterness in check. The finish had plenty of orange zest, grapefruit and a hint of bitter pininess. Body is medium, lively carbonation, hint of thinning and very drinkable. Loved it, actually, but then, I havent had a West Coast hopped beer for a while, so maybe I was just missing them. Thanks so much for the beer, Andre.

UPDATED: MAY 1, 2006 I’ve had this as both the Chinook Copper and the new Redhook Copper Hook. Seems to have a little better aroma and flavor as the Redhook. Pours a nice bright amber color. Aromas of malts,something metallic, and a touch of grapefruit. Flavor is a tad citrus mixed well with the malt, nice finish, but a little watery. Redhook CopperHook: Pours a nice bright amber color. Aromas of grapefruit/pine with some roasty scents. Flavor is citrus mixed well with the sweet malt, nice hoppy taste on this one.

Aroma: Vaguely malty with some citrusy hopy notes Appearance: Hazy Reddish copper with a thin white head Flavor: NIcely balanced with malt forward with very slight what I think is belgian-esque sournes Palate: Light bodied with a short finish Overall: The bottled version did not leave me thrilled but had enough intrigue to make me want to try one on tap

Dark yellow, hazy. No carbonation. Plain aroma, sourdough bread, pepper, lemon. First thing that strikes me is the yeast flavor- cinnamon, pepper, with a nice hoppy finish (pine). Everything about this beer is subtle and unexpected. Rich flavors, nice balance, overall enjoyable.

I enjoyed this ale on tap. It held a refreshing crisp citrus aroma. Ample wieght and head to the beer. It maintained a great balance between hops and maltiness. Not too hoppy but not too citrusy. It was delicious till the end.

1/24/08 From the bottle. Aroma is light, with a faint blend of caramel sweet malt and hop flora, well blended, like one scent. Appearance is clear medium gold with a medium, well maintained off white head. Flavor is earthy, with moderate bittering and low flora. Flavors are very well integrated and fill the palate, but no single component stands out, like a perfectly balanced, low bittered pale ale. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with very low textures and a clean finish; this is about as easy drinking as they come. Overall, a clean beer that you can drink by the twelve pack.

Crisp refreshing and clean amber ale that really does go well with some crab legs fresh off the ocean.