The Beer Diviner Ancestral Red Ale

Brewed by Bly Hollow Brewery
Style: Amber Ale
Cherry Plain, New York USA

Serve in English pint, Shaker

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Golden in color light head with a good aroma of alcohol, Light belgian yeast and nice wheat flavors this was a nice beer.

22 oz bottle at Rich’s goodbye party hosted by Dave. Pours a lightly hazed amber-red with a tan head. Pleasant aroma of caramel and malt with a bit of fruity Belgian yeast. The flavor is caramel and malt but is not sweet along with some fruity Belgian yeast. A bit of orange detected as well. I didn’t pick up the ginger in the aroma or the flavor. Mild bitterness at the finish. Medium bodied. Solid.

I poured a 22oz bottle into a goblet. There was no freshness date but I assume it couldn’t be too old because I bought directly from the brewer himself.

Appearance: Dark blood red with a purple or mahogany hue. Forms a small, white, foamy head which never completely dissipates and leaves minor lacing.

Smell: Noticeable spice aroma plus perfume and flowers. Potpourri-like.

Taste: If you know me you know I’m not usually a fan of ginger or overly-spiced beers, yet "Ancestral Red Ale" could definitely be described as very gingery and spicy and I really enjoyed it. This is one of those brews that defies classification. It’s has the color of an amber ale, the yeasty character of a witbier, and the general palette of a Christmas beer. The synergy between the three definitely works in its favor.

A light ginger flavor is probably the first thing I notice about this beer. It gives way to a fruity, malty character similar to that of a British pub ale. Then the palette transitions to citrus and black pepper thanks to the addition of coriander and bitter orange peel. There’s a taste akin to Sangria here, but without any dryness or tartness. A slight alcohol presence actually seems to aid the taste delivery. This is quite an eccentric recipe and it fortunately it works out well.

Drinkability: While it’s true that "Ancestral Red Ale" is a robust, spicy beer, it’s not aggressive on the palate at all. The body is on the fuller side, but the mouthfeel is calm, smooth and soft. There’s a slightly bitter aftertaste, but it’s easily tolerable. At 7.7% ABV it’s on the heavier side with a hint of noticeable alcohol presence, but nothing "hot" or overtly boozy. I could see this beer pairing well with Japanese, Chinese or other Asian cuisine, or as a liquid dessert.

Bomber thanks to Dr Post! Pours a clear reddish amber hue with a medium off-white head. A sweet caramel nose with light floral hops. The flavor is mostly earthy dry caramel malts, light bitter hops. Clean and smooth.

Bottle. Deep cola brown with an off white head. Toasted and bready malts, with some lighter dark fruits, toffee, and earthy hops. Earthy, husky, and grainy finish. Good, not great.

22 oz bottle from Oliver’s in Albany. A medium amber brew with thin tan head that soon goes away. Carbonation is ok. Aroma is deep sweet malty and some what fruity. Flavor is tart and a little tangy. Good balance though. Easy drinking and flavorful. Not too heavy. Rather good.

Bottle from westmere bev in Albany. Pours reddish amber with nice frothy head. Nose of fruit. Tastes quite good flight juicy fruit gum, malt, yeast, hay, floral, and light caramel. Lightly carbonated but refreshing