Beer of the Week (Vol. CLX)

Another better late than never edition of Beer of the Week sponsored as always by the colorful folks at Glen Lake Wine & Spirits who can help find the wine, whiskey, and beer you need to bring just the right hue to any occasion.

Our featured beer this week comes from New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado. It’s their new fall seasonal Red Hoptober:

Fall is here and with it our seasonal ale, Red Hoptober. Shining like autumn leaves in a globe glass this beer pours a dark and lovely garnet as it builds a bright, inviting head. The Eldorado hops are bold and present with a distinct, piney flavor while the caramel malt and roasted barley provide a backbone to stand Red Hoptober upright. Centennial and Cascade hops offer hints of citrus, tickling the nose, while the tongue carries a subtle, roasty tone that pairs pleasantly with the warming bite of bitter. Red Hoptober is perfect for shortening days and campfire nights.

Six pack of 12oz brown bottles sells for $7.99. Label follows the usual New Belgium design with an exterior border in red and a fall fishing scene in the mountains in front of a purple background framed by hops.

STYLE: Amber Ale

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 6.0%

COLOR (0-2): Copper brown and clear. 2

AROMA (0-2): Floral hops with pine and a little sweet caramel. 2

HEAD (0-2): White color, good volume, and good lacing. 2

TASTE (0-5): Follows the smell with roasted caramel malts and hop flavors of pine and citrus. Mouthfeel is watery and oily slick. Light to medium bodied and pretty drinkable. 3

AFTERTASTE (0-2): Crisp and dry finish with lingering bitterness. 1

OVERALL (0-6): Another fall style that ventures outside the typical Oktoberfest or pumpkins offerings yet remains true to the character of the season. It’s a touch more hoppy than other reds yet retains good balance with its malty flavor. Red Hoptober is a good addition to New Belgium’s offering and a superior red to their flagship Fat Tire. 4

TOTAL SCORE (0-19): 14