A classic Irish Red ale recipe from Samuel Adams, billed as a caramelly malty ale, balanced with East Kent Goldings hops.  Now, I’m not a huge fan of red ales to begin with, so that may color my opinion somewhat, but rather than balanced, I find this to be a two-note beer.  The first, is a sweet caramel malt as advertised, but the other note, rather than a balancing hop bitterness is sharp astringency to my palate.  There’s a nice buttery finish, but this beer just isn’t coming together for me.  Not my favorite of Sam Adam’s summer styles this year.

I give it a 2.7 out of 5.