Watneys Red Barrel

Formerly brewed at Sleeman Brewing & Malting Co. (Sapporo)
Style: Pale Lager
Guelph, Canada

Serve in Dimpled mug, Lager glass, Shaker

send corrections   |   shelftag   |   edit barcodes   |   add pic

330ml bottle tried many years ago (circa 1995) with brewer listed on bottle as Watney Combe Reid and Company poured a pale amber color with a small white head that revealed a small amount of lace. Aroma was caramel with some light hops. Taste was a caramel malty sweetness with a moderate hoppy bitterness. Was a decent amber ale but nothing special.

Back in the day - late 70’s - I would pick up some of this this as my standard sunday afternoon "take the edge off drink. I’m surprised at the commerical description - I remember it fondly and considered it a treat to be consumed only in moderation - which is why I seldom consumed more that a couple of the two liter bottles at a sitting. But, back in the day we didn’t have as much to pick from...

I have to recall to review. About 1978, I used to buy this is in 2 liter plastic bottles, and the beer was so drinkable. I think I polished one off in a sitting once.

I was always confused by the bad rep that Red Barrel had. It makes much more sense that the Sleeman lager version was what I was drinking. It really wasn’t that bad, in fact for a pale lager pretty good. Serving: Bottle

This is an old bottle from the Stag Brewery.Poured amber gold with a large frothy off-white head. Smells lightly malty with a touch of carmel Medium minus body with lightly frothy carbonation. Flavor is light sweet malt with not a lot of hop. Ends with a very mild stroke of toffee - maybe from age. Quite drinkable, but it’s not unlike a macro with a little breadiness. Not sure why it was granted the royal warrant., especially since the label indicates it’s for export.

Loved it when it was on tap at a specialty tavern in town, Smooth and creamy with a nice head. but later had it in bottles and it was awful. Not good at all

used to enjoy this regularly from the tap at the madison in hoboken. right from the big dimpled mugs it was hoppy -for the time- and was nicely sweet with moderate body that was clear but instead flavorful. glad it had low alcohol because i usually drank it after a couple hours at the ymca down the block. i miss it.

Name: Watney’s Red Barrel
Date: 12/08/1995
Mode: Draft
Source: Taco Mac, Sandy Springs

rich malt aroma and flavor mellower on tap - smooth start with a malty finish

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 5/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.2/5.0
Score: **+/4
-------- /> The score was calculated based upon the notes and an old scoring system.

Vieille bouteille sans date. Robe brune très claire surmontée d’une mousse beige qui s’estompe. Arômes de madère, de porto et de fruits confits. Saveurs de sirop d’érable et de cassonade. Mince.

One of the best beers that I’ve ever had. A place in Port Jefferson (Printers Devil) used to serve it on tap. Last time I had it was about 9-10 years ago. Wish it was still available!