Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale

So this will wrap up this series on Red Ales. It has been an interesting, coast to coast journey for me and I hope you have found it just as interesting. If you go on to try any of these selections, you will see that there are many different faces of Red Ales, and this one certainly adds yet another one.

This week, Bear Republic Brewing Company, out of Healdsburg, California, gives us Red Rocket Ale, and here’s what they want you to know about it:

ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 67
Color: Deep Copper Red
“Red Rocket Ale is a bastardized Scottish style red ale that traces its origins to our homebrew roots. This full bodied and hoppy brew finishes on the palate with sweet, caramel malt flavors.”

Awards:
2009 California State Fair - SILVER
1999 Great American Beer Festival® Other Strong Ales or Lagers - SILVER
1998 Great American Beer Festival® Other Strong Ales – SILVER

Now here’s what I think. The brewers there are Bear Republic have really given us something interesting. The deep color resembles that of a Bock, making your mind think that you are about to have something with a deep malt profile. And your mind will be partly correct. This is by far the red ale with the highest malt profile that I have reviewed in this series. BUT – your mind will then be caught off guard by the amount of hops bitterness that comes through.

At the reported 67 IBU’s, a malt head (such as myself) may be hesitant to try it, but keep in mind that the enormous amounts of malt in this brew will more than balance the bitterness, making this one an easily drinkable, very dark, red ale.

I wasn’t eating, or even having popcorn, at the time, but I imagine this would be good with just about any beef dish, including chili or beef stew. It stood quite well on its own though. So the official Everything Brewed Rating will be a full 5 out of 5 Pints. The flavor, the alcohol content and the fact that it was a 22oz bottle (saving me at least one trip to the fridge) all contribute equally to this rating. It’s also available in a 12oz - 6 pack, and in a keg, just check with your local craft beer retailer for availability.

Thanks for checking out this week’s Brew Review. Thoughts, comments, and questions are, of course, welcome. And remember to enjoy your beer, but responsibly please. Also, don’t forget to check out http://www.bearrepublic.com for more information on this and other brews by Bear Republic Brewing Company.

Cheers,
Jason

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