Try?
The first thing
that grabs you about this beer is all that's going on on the label: first
the graphics, which depict Robby the Robot carrying off some Fair Maiden
against a backdrop of ringed planets. Being a beer lover and a
science fiction buff, this combination immediately appealed to me. Having
sampled beers from Rock Creek in the past, I knew that I was in for great
beer to go along with the label however. Always a bonus.
There's more of interest on the label though. It proudly proclaims this beer "World Champion Red Ale as judged in the 1997 World Beer Championships". That sounds impressive, but as I have mentioned in the past, the World Beer Championships do not impress me. They hand out medals far too easily in my opinion, and their ratings are often dubious to say the least. Indeed, I don't have a lot of faith in beer competitions period, since many award medals to different beers in various categories year after year, even though the recipes of those beers have not changed. I have judged at competitions myself, and can tell you they really are nowhere near as important as your own personal taste when making a beer purchasing decision.
So back to this particular beer. How is it? Pretty good, actually. It's obviously red in color, with a creamy, long lasting head and fresh malty nose. The palate is not overpowering but has a good dose of crisp malt flavor, a respectable hop bitterness makes the beer refreshing and memorable. Not too intimidating for the beer novice, but at the same time flavorful enough for the established veteran. A good selection with a juicy steak smothered in onions and mushrooms, with a baked potato on the side.
There's more of interest on the label though. It proudly proclaims this beer "World Champion Red Ale as judged in the 1997 World Beer Championships". That sounds impressive, but as I have mentioned in the past, the World Beer Championships do not impress me. They hand out medals far too easily in my opinion, and their ratings are often dubious to say the least. Indeed, I don't have a lot of faith in beer competitions period, since many award medals to different beers in various categories year after year, even though the recipes of those beers have not changed. I have judged at competitions myself, and can tell you they really are nowhere near as important as your own personal taste when making a beer purchasing decision.
So back to this particular beer. How is it? Pretty good, actually. It's obviously red in color, with a creamy, long lasting head and fresh malty nose. The palate is not overpowering but has a good dose of crisp malt flavor, a respectable hop bitterness makes the beer refreshing and memorable. Not too intimidating for the beer novice, but at the same time flavorful enough for the established veteran. A good selection with a juicy steak smothered in onions and mushrooms, with a baked potato on the side.
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
