Bridge Brewing Company Sleigh Booster Imperial Red Ale American Strong Ale at 9% ABV (2015 Craft Beer Advent Calendar Day #10, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 10-Dec-2015)
Appearance: clear deep amber to amber-brown with one fat finger of dense pillowy light tan head, excellent retention and well-defined lacing. (5/5) Aroma: pine, toffee/caramel, bread, light nutty. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, strong bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter and mild warming finish. (4/5)
Wow – not what I was expecting at all. When I saw “Imperial Red”, I had visions of a strong Irish Red, but this is much more like a DIPA, albeit a red(-dish) one. Hop forwards, with enough caramel to provide support, yet without being too sweet. Aesthetically pleasing, solid, and quite enjoyable if you like big bitter – and I do. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
