Imperial Red Ale is a limited release red ale from the Lagunitas Brewing Company that they say is a reconstruction of the very first beer they ever brewed. It’s a big malty red ale, and the nose is heavy with earth and honey. It’s a full-bodied ale, and sticky sweet in the middle with caramel and honey, and the finish lingers on the tongue with orange and ginger, with the first hint of bitterness this beer offers, with just a touch of rind. The bottom line is that this is a delicious malty treat.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5.