Try?
With fall right
around the corner, we’re all looking for some relief from the brutally hot
summer weather. And with cooler temperatures usually come robust beers,
perfect for gentle sipping on a crisp autumn eve. With that in mind,
Woodinville, Washington’s Redhook brewery has released an Autumn Ale
that’s sure to please.
This time of year, many breweries are gearing up to introduce an Oktoberfest beer, which if true to style will be a lager. A few have taken to the notion of releasing an ale with similar ingredients to an Ofest brew. This is basically what Redhook has done with their Autumn ale.
Previously, I have seen Redhook offer a “Hoptoberfest” on draft, though I have never seen it in bottles. This may well be the first bottled fall seasonal from the brewery, then. Redhook has a major presence in most areas and I see it very frequently here in Atlanta. With the clout of Anheuser-Busch’s distributing system, that should not surprise.
I bought a six-pack of Autumn Ale for $5.99, not a bad price as many craft brews edge up to $7 and $8 today. My bottle has a packaging date of August 17, 2005, so it’s only a few weeks old. This isn’t a style that will age over a course of years, but it should be fine through the fall and well into winter if kept refrigerated.
Redhook Autumn Ale pours to a bright orange color with a gentle reddish tint. The color of the beer, by design and ingredients, mirrors the hue of ripening fall foliage. A light creamy head formed on a gentle pour, and the nose has a gentle nuttiness to it. A light amount of Brussels lace clings to the side of the glass.
The palate is soft and creamy, with some nutty Munich malt flavors, light sweetness, a hint of chocolate, and a subtle orange fruitiness. The beer is medium bodied with a pleasant mouthfeel. In the finish, there is a very light roasted flavor and balancing hop bitterness.
I like this beer. It’s quaffable and perfectly suited for the fall. This is again one of those beers that isn’t overbearing if you’re new to the world of craft beer. But it does have enough flavor to satisfy the experienced beer hunter.
Try a few bottles with a roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and a relaxing afternoon of football.
This time of year, many breweries are gearing up to introduce an Oktoberfest beer, which if true to style will be a lager. A few have taken to the notion of releasing an ale with similar ingredients to an Ofest brew. This is basically what Redhook has done with their Autumn ale.
Previously, I have seen Redhook offer a “Hoptoberfest” on draft, though I have never seen it in bottles. This may well be the first bottled fall seasonal from the brewery, then. Redhook has a major presence in most areas and I see it very frequently here in Atlanta. With the clout of Anheuser-Busch’s distributing system, that should not surprise.
I bought a six-pack of Autumn Ale for $5.99, not a bad price as many craft brews edge up to $7 and $8 today. My bottle has a packaging date of August 17, 2005, so it’s only a few weeks old. This isn’t a style that will age over a course of years, but it should be fine through the fall and well into winter if kept refrigerated.
Redhook Autumn Ale pours to a bright orange color with a gentle reddish tint. The color of the beer, by design and ingredients, mirrors the hue of ripening fall foliage. A light creamy head formed on a gentle pour, and the nose has a gentle nuttiness to it. A light amount of Brussels lace clings to the side of the glass.
The palate is soft and creamy, with some nutty Munich malt flavors, light sweetness, a hint of chocolate, and a subtle orange fruitiness. The beer is medium bodied with a pleasant mouthfeel. In the finish, there is a very light roasted flavor and balancing hop bitterness.
I like this beer. It’s quaffable and perfectly suited for the fall. This is again one of those beers that isn’t overbearing if you’re new to the world of craft beer. But it does have enough flavor to satisfy the experienced beer hunter.
Try a few bottles with a roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and a relaxing afternoon of football.
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
