North Coast Red Seal Ale Beer Review

Red Seal Ale

Review Date 5/7/2002

Try? Re-buy?

Tonight was one of those nights when I just knew I wanted a beer. I had been enjoying some great beer conversation with a few co-workers, most of the discussion focusing upon the great array of craft brewed beers available around the country, and which ones could be bought locally. I ventured forth with the North Coast line of beers. They are, I said, some of the most delicious to be found anywhere, let alone in California.

I elaborated further. When people who are in the know about American microbreweries and craft beer mention their thoughts on top brewers, two California institutions, Anchor and Sierra Nevada will almost invariably be mentioned. There is a third California legend, however, which in my opinion is deserving of equal attention: Fort Bragg’s North Coast Brewing.

My assertion was received with expressions of disbelief, mainly because my associates, as they soon admitted, had never tried a beer from this brewery. Partly to rectify this injustice, and partly to satisfy my own thirst for North Coast beer that I had now fired up, I popped on over to Sherlock’s during my lunch break and picked up a six-pack of Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale. Upon my return I passed out a few bottles, but not all of them: a few went home with me.

Ninkassi, goddess of beer, seemed to smile upon me on the way home, perhaps in thanks for my services on her behalf. As I passed the Anheusher-Busch Brewery in Cartersville, Georgia, just to the side of I-75, the thick and sweet smell of fresh wort permeated the air. It was wonderfully bready and chewy, and furthered my resolve to enjoy a beer or two before bed.

And so I arrived home with my remaining bottles of Red Seal. The beer is named, in part, for the brewer Mark Ruedrich (the Seal is another matter). The company pumps out about 22,000 barrels a year from its modern, 17,000 square foot facility in Fort Bragg. Its delightful amber ale, Red Seal, has won numerous awards:

Gold Medal 2000 Great American Beer Festival, Denver
Gold Medal 2000 Stockholm Beer Festival, Stockholm, Sweden
Silver Medal - 1997 World Beer Championship, Chicago
Silver Medal - 1996 World Beer Championship, Chicago
Gold Medal - 1995 World Beer Championship, Chicago
Gold Medal - 1994 World Beer Championship, Chicago
Silver medal - 1992 GABF (American Ale/Amber Ale category)
Beer of the Year - 1992 Great Chefs of Mendocino Assn

Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale pours to a cloudy orange color with a thick creamy head and a citric hoppy nose. The palate is firm in its malt body with good mouthfeel and notes of orange and toasted malt, but it is quickly overshadowed by the intensely citric, grapefruity hop character. It gradually becomes bitter and leaves a lingering bite. A very refreshing amber ale, delicious with barbecued chicken, homemade Boston baked beans and potato salad. And in case you’re wondering, my co-workers all loved it.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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