What we’re drinking: Red Headed Stranger
What type of beer is it: American Red IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Who brews it: Big Grove Brewery
Where you can find it: Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits
Expected Price: $11.99 for a six pack of 12 oz cans
Are you familiar with the red IPA? It’s not an especially popular style of IPA, and it’s difficult to find on store shelves and coolers. When one is released, it’s usually part of a seasonal batch. That’s the case with Red Headed Stranger, a recent release by Big Grove Brewery.
Regardless of your familiarity with a red IPA, you’ve likely heard of some different types of IPAs. New England (hazy, fruity) and West Coast (crisp, strong bitterness) are the predominant styles in the American market. Imperial IPAs have lost some market share as drinkers move away from beers with high ABV, but they are still a common sight on a brewery’s in-house tap list. A red IPA sets itself apart by incorporating strong, malty flavors into the IPA, greatly reducing the typical piney flavor associated with the aforementioned IPAs. Personally, I find that red IPAs are closer in taste to an amber ale than other IPAs.
Upon the first pour of Red Headed Stranger, the cognac color immediately stands out. Red-copper is unique among IPAs. Many New England and West Coast IPAs usually possess a color that evokes amber, honey, or caramel. The aroma is initially of earthy and resinous hops, but it quickly fades to a more subtle yet crisp scent. The first drink has muted carbonation and an even taste saturated with faint hoppiness. After the swallow, you’ll be left tasting more malt than hop, and a sweet, graham-cracker aftertaste briefly lingers. After a couple of drinks, you’ll notice the lacing on your glass.
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