Red Rocket Ale

This is a 6.8% red ale by Bear Republic Brewing of Sonoma County, California.

Photo - Paul Evans

As the brewery states, this is a 'bastardized Scottish style red ale'. Its appearance is dark brown with red hues, there was only a small head.  The aroma is of ripe bananas, Terry's chocolate orange, and treacle toffee.

Photo - Paul Evans

The beer has a big blast of hops on initial tasting, or as Bear Republic state 'an aggressive hop character.'  It's very bitter with a robust malt flavour that yields to sharp, bitter grapefruit flavours which are balanced by bittersweet toffee, dark rum, and hints of rum and raisin ice cream.

3*