AleSmith YuleSmith (Winter) Imperial Red Ale

Brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
San Diego, California USA

This beer really reminded me of Celebration Ale, the very first time I tasted Celebration about four years ago. My palate was less defined and was easily impressed with great hop usage. This beer brought me back to that moment, really enjoying what can transpire when complicated hop schedules are executed well. Exploding with hop flavor - this somehow retains its balance as well. Pours a sparkling amber color with a creamy white head. The nose is hops, hops and more hops blended with a moderate dose of caramel sweetness. While some flowery perfume is present, the majority of hops are citrusy - ranging from lemon to lime to grapefruit to really ripe oranges. The body continues to develop these hops profiles, which are well defined and crisp throughout. A great peachy note carries through the winey finish. My only complaint is the intense alcohol burn that develops after the dry finish. But I can handle that! If this is the dumbed down, less hoppy Xmas version, I’d love to get my hands on the Summer version.

A thicker, hoppier red than anticipated. Hazy copper-red with a buzz-cut for a head. Lots of hops and resin, but very obvious malt. Slick mouthfeel. Piney taste up front that moves turns into a long citrus-hop flavor. The malt is prevalent throughout this one, sweetening everything out and making it different from its summer cousin. Love it.

deep red pour with medium off-white head..aroma of sugar, grapefruit (little else and very typical of a IIPA)...grapefruit, clove, and sugar for its flavor..creamy, nicely laced brew..just seems like this is a standard IIPA..nothing complex or exciting

This would be my number 300, except for the seahorse fiasco. But it is still a monumental treat. Bountiful aroma of hop flowers, pine and a slight hint of cherries. Slightly cloudy, deep auburn brown. Rich and creamy mouthfeel. The taste explodes with malt and pines and a hint of creaminess, like a swirl of vanilla ice cream.. A slight touch of alcohol reminds you of the season. This ale is a pleasure. Thanks to EyeDrinkAle - I am glad I have two more.

22 oz bomber. Pours to a deep amber color, with a thick, creamy, white head, and a good carbonation. The nose on this beer is fantastic, with big aromas of citrus and grapefruit, paired with aromas of fresh pine. The palate is firm, with good biscuit and pale malt flavors, paired with a touch of carmel malt, but this only acts as a springboad to hop flavors. Lots of good citrus and grapefuit flavors and bitterness dance over the tongue. This beer finishes with more really great malt and hop flavors, then ends with a big, zesty, pungent lemon and grapefruit bitterness that lingers. This beer is an IPA all the way. I don’t care if they tossed in a little more malt, hops dominate this beer in a big way, and it is a wonderful thing. This beer makes a phenomenal aperitif, and a great hop coctail of a brew to sip and relax with. Very impressive.

Pours dark amber, piney, malty, caramel, spicey, citrus, little alcohol, little dark fruits.

Bottle. Clear ruby in color with small lacing type head. Really pretty color,mesmerizing. Aroma of sweet malts and piny hops. The taste was out of this word, sweet yet hoppy and fresh. Big and malty, reminds me of D Bastard only smoother and better. As it warms it develops an alcoholic edge in the finish. Excellent beer.

22oz bottle. Pours hazy reddish-amber, capped with a big, frothy khaki head. Aroma is dominated by citric hops, with freshly baked bread in the background. Abundant sweet malt flavors up front, with caramel and chocolate, which are soon joined by massive grapefruity and earthy hops. Hops hang on for a long finish. Intense flavors, but everything is in harmony. Great beer.