Alhambra Reserva Roja, where have you been all my life? That's what I would like to know. I don't think I have ever seen this beer before here in the states; at the very least, I have never had it. Alhambra Reserva Roja is a doppelbock in style, my very favorite style of beer, so had I seen it, I would have been all over it. My favorite doppelbocks are German, of course, though some very good ones are also made in the United States, and I am very fond of one from Italy, as well. Alhambra Reserva Roja is brewed in Granada, Spain, and that intrigued me as well.
Recently while shopping for beer at Half Time Beverage I saw this beer. They mentioned that it was a lager brewed with dark roasted malts, which intrigued, so into my cart it went. The bottle is attractive, brown glass with raised lettering that states:
Alhambra Reserva
Cerveza Roja
Hecha en Granada
Bock Beer
On the back of the bottle is a more traditional paper label that says, along with the obligatory government warning, that the beer is imported by Mahou Imports in Grand Rapids, Michigan, except in Perto Rico, where it is brought in by B. Fernandez & HNOS of San Juan.
Alhambra Reserva Roja has an alcohol content of 7.2% by volume
About Alhambra Brewing
Founded in Granada in 1925, Cervezas Alhambra has grown from a regional Andalusian brewery into one of Spain's most respected producers of premium lagers. Named for the iconic Alhambra Palace, the brewery leans heavily into its local heritage. Despite becoming part of the Mahou‑San Miguel group in 2007, Alhambra has maintained its sense of independence and connection to its Granada roots.
Alhambra Reserva Roja in anb Erdinger Weissbier Soccer Glass
Tasting Notes
Alhambra Reserva Roja pours to a deep ruby red color with a thick fluffy tan head and a nose of toasted malts and a very subtle hint of grassy hops. Taking a sip, the beer is medium to full bodied up front and again pops with the toasted nut malt notes. There is berry fruit, caramel and toffee treacle, and a subtle hint of chocolate. The beer finishes with a balancing grassy hop bitterness, but the sweet malt is the star here.
Value & Verdict
I paid $3.49 for my 11.2 ounce bottle from Half Time. Total Wine sells it for $10.99 a 4-pack in their Woodbridge, Virginia store.
A very tasty beer indeed, a well made doppelbock to be sure and one I would absolutely buy again.
