Summer is fading, but winter hasn't fully arrived yet. If you're searching for a brew that bridges the gap between the fruity, resinous punch of a classic West Coast IPA and the warming, roasted malts of a winter stout or ale, a well-crafted red ale could be exactly what you need. Bathurst's Reckless Brewing Co. has released their Reckless Red IPA, a past AIBA Gold Medal winner, and it's easy to see why it earned that accolade.
Aroma and Appearance
When you crack open the tinnie, the nose is filled with hoppy character from Mosaic and Citra hops. The aroma features strong floral notes and a piney edge, with a touch of sweetness underneath from the full, malty base. It pours a light rusty red rather than a deep, dark red, with a frothy off-white head that slowly fades.
Flavour Profile
Take a sip, and you'll experience a tug of war between sweet malts and hop bitterness. Light caramel and toffee flavours complement stonefruit, citrus, and pine notes. This beer is well-balanced, with a punch of bitterness that never overwhelms the warmth of the malt base, finishing sweet but not sticky. It offers a well-rounded flavour that never feels too heavy.
Serving Suggestions
With an ABV of 6.5 per cent, it's lighter than some red IPAs, making it perfect for sharing with friends, perhaps around a campfire on a chilly autumn evening. The price is $9 per can or $26 for a four-pack, offering good value for a quality brew.
