BEER LOOKS GOOD IN RED
Red ale is a rare treat and this local brew from Stone & Wood doesn’t disappoint
MY fascination with dark beers goes to new levels when someone produces a red ale, but trying to find some is a task easier said than done.
Fortunately Northern Rivers brewer Stone & Wood has answered my prayers for a decent red brew with the release of their Jasper hoppy red ale. Sadly for those of us partial to this style of beer, there is a distinct lack of it in the Aussie marketplace – I suspect Australians don’t like their beers coming in a variety of colours.
There was an element of caution on my behalf regarding the latest Jasper after the tasting notes from Stone & Wood mentioned they’d tinkered with it.
That could raise alarm bells – the drop was great as it was – but fortunately their definition of “tinkering” is enhancement.
Offering a tight creamcoloured head with a rich plum colour, Jasper has a fruity nose combined with a subtle malt aroma. Red ales, while rich by nature, aren’t as heavy as some black or dark beers, yet they still retain plenty of flavour and enough body to be generous without filling. The initial fruitiness combines well with the malt, which is very subtle and adds a slight caramel flavour.
It’s very more-ish, leaving the palate with enough bitterness to have you ready for more.
It’s a warming drop on a cool night at 5.4 per cent and doesn’t make you feel bloated after a couple of glasses.
It has great sessionability, but can sneak up on you because of the high alcohol content.
As easy as it is to drink, this isn’t a quaffing beer – enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
This interesting drop meets its match in a hearty beef broth, lamb shanks or, at the other extreme, a rich dessert such as sticky date pudding swimming in syrup.