Draft at the brewpub during Telluride Blue and Brews Weekend 2006: Nicely bubbly and a full shade lighter than the IPA. Golden orange. Another big hoppy aroma. Resiny and oily. Better than their IPA but still a bit hollow.

The bartender told me this beer was made -- and named -- in the honor of Russell Kelly, a skier and friend, that had passed away. I didn’t push for more details, but it made me think of Gordon Knight, and the Oskar Blues beer named for him ... sad story; cool concept. Anyway, the beer was bright copper and left behind a sticky head. Like many other Smugglers beers, it was painfully smooth and easy to drink. Malts were full and real, like comfort food. Hops were pretty big, with sour citrus, grass and spruce tips. Pine lingered in the aftertaste. Really good hop profile from start to finish. Tasty beer.