Mill St. Brewery Spring Thaw Irish Red Ale at 5% ABV (On tap at Mill St. Brewery brewpub at YYZ)
Pours slightly hazy medium amber with a short light tan head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, no lacing. (3/5) Nose is moderate smoke, mild maple syrup. (5/10) Taste is moderate sweet, mild bitter, moderate smoke. (4/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, mildly bitter finish. (3/5)
The brewery says this is an Irish Red, Beer Advocate says it’s a Scotch Ale, and RateBeer says it’s a Spice/Herb/Vegetable. Me, I don’t see any reason not to call this a rauchbier – smoke is pretty much the dominant flavour, followed by mild maple syrup. Actually, when I first smelled it, it reminded me of nothing so much as kippers – though on followup, there is actually no fish flavour. Not unpleasant, but I remain less than convinced when it comes to most smoked styles. (10/20)
5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
