LOVE THAT WARM GLOW
This strong red IPA out of Burleigh is an antidote to those chilly nights, just be careful it doesn’t creep up on you
WITH the temperature dropping, I’m beginning to see red more often. The red in question has nothing to do with my favourite footy team’s results (or lack of them) and everything to do with Burleigh brewer Black Hops and their Code Red.
The cool change means it’s time to change colours when it comes to beers – at least I
think so – and this red IPA is perfectly suited for providing an inner glow.
It’s a wonderfully bold IPA offering a clever blend of the style’s qualities with the kind of red ale you might expect from the Welsh. It has a rich plum colour with a creamhued head and a fruity nose with malt notes.
The true appeal of Code Red is that it backs up its visual and aromatic appeal with plenty of bold flavour and body. There’s an initial burst of citrus filling the palate, before giving way to smooth, well-balanced malt.
A sip will leave you with a pleasant degree of bitterness, drawing you back for more. It’s the kind of beer you should sit back and enjoy at leisure. But there’s truth in the name of this ale — Code Red —
because it is a strong beer at 6.2 per cent, with a very pleasant warming feeling going down.
Code Red is slightly heavier than normal IPAs, but it’s not bloating. I’m not sure if Black Hops is being clever or responsible with the name, but
“THE COOL CHANGE MEANS IT’S TIME TO CHANGE COLOURS WHEN IT COMES TO BEERS ... ”
there should be a code red warning on how sessionable it is – just don’t plan to do too much after putting a few of these away.
The drop pairs well with glazed ham or ribs with a rich sauce. You could also try it with a strong cheese to add to the body and flavour of the beer.