Mark
Thanks to Mike for sending me this bottle of Brian Boru Old Irish Red Ale from Three Floyds Brewing Company in Munster, Indiana. Brian Boru Old Irish Red Ale pours out copper in color with good clarity. the brew is topped with a two finger, soapy, off-white head that slowly reduces down to a film leaving about a finger of sticky, solid lacing on the glass. On the nose, this beauty is quite hoppy with aromas of pine, grapefruit and pineapple as well a lot of toffee and honey sweetness. Sweet and rich, almost a slight syrup, from beginning to end with flavors of toffee, honey, some roast malts with a nice citrus rind hop bite keeping this from being cloying. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Thick sheets of lacing on the glass. Slightly syrupy mouthfeel that coats. A very long finish with lovely layered flavor that, while does have a decent hoppy bitterness, is primarily sweet.
A different take on a red ale but a well crafted, style bending brew. As every Three Floyds bottles say, "It's not normal." And it sure may not be, however, it is damn good. Highly recommended.
22 ounce bottle, 5.5% ABV 40 IBUs
Beer 109 of 366 for 2012
