Give Us Hops

A new acquaintance recently asked me for beer recommendations. Now, this is something I feel quite comfortable doing, and I attempt to be as snob-less as possible when someone genuinely is interested in beer and wants to expand their horizons. Usually, I find out what they like, if they even know, and make several standard suggestions from there.
This gentleman said he was not sure exactly what he liked. I asked about Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, but he finds it just a tad too bitter. He said that Fat Tire Amber was a bit boring, slightly bland.
Now, I have been known to praise two amber ales, and I threw out both of them. Bell’s Amber was ordered, a particular stand-by of mine. It was enjoyed, but found to be a tad too sweet. Highland Gaelic Ale crossed my mind, but in the malt dept, it’s not too far removed from the Bell’s brew.
It was a sunny, moderately warm day, my mate did not want to be bowled over by hops, but certainly was not looking for a sweet beer, what to choose? I decided on a beer that has always been solid, one which I often pick up in the bomber size bottle, and have enjoyed the hell out of in the past – Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic. It hit the spot.
Bear Republic has always been a great brewery. Racer 5 is one of the better West Coast IPAs. A modern Cali beer, it’s strong, hoppy, and wonderful. Hop Rod Rye on the other hand is a spicy and tasty rye-IPA. And even their XP pale ale is quite good. But the beer of the day was the Red Rocket Ale.
While described on the Bear Republic website as“bastardized Scottish style red ale” I would put it in the category of American Amber Ale. In some areas, beers in this group are simply called red ales. The origins of the style hail from Northern California, American amber ales are similar to pale ales, with a sweeter side and a malty finish. But don’t be fooled, most will be well hopped.
Certainly Red Rocket Ale would qualify as a hoppy amber beer. The beer pours a gorgeous deep ruby color with amber highlights, and a slight haze about the liquid. A khaki head of foam tops the beer and remains for some time.
The smell of this beer is crisp and vibrant, but not overwhelming. West Coast hops wrestle with caramel and bready notes. The beer smells wonderful. I even note a kiss of smoke and spice, but not near enough to overwhelm.
My friend said this was the perfect beer, one that was moderately hoppy tasting, but did not finish too bitter or dry, and he was correct. I had a dose of orange/caramel candy in the mouth, with a touch of piney hops to boot. The finish does allow the malt power to shine through. This beer just tastes better and better with each sip.
This is a full-bodied brew, checking in at 6.8 percent alcohol by volume. If the west coast brewers were to make an ESB with American ingredients and Yank brewing know-how, this would be the beer. Brilliant. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. While they don’t have every beer the Beer Snob writes about, they probably have most. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.