Hereford & Hops Cleary Red

Brewed by Hereford & Hops Restaurant & Brew Pub
Style: Irish Ale
Escanaba, Michigan USA

I’m clearly going against the grain here, but I actually thought this was pretty good. This actually reminded me a good bit of Portland Brewing Co’s McTarnahan Amber. The color was a deep red, almost like a Killian’s (I mean that in a good way). Aroma was primarily malty, and flavor was a bit unbalanced (in favor of the malt, versus the hops that were present), but hops were clearly present and counteracting a rather pleasant sweet maltiness. Mouthfeel was unremarkable. All-in-all, I’d recommend giving this beer a try. I bought a 22 oz bottle at Trig’s in Eagle River, WI.

One of the two better beers I had at this brew pub. Tasty with a bit of fruit taste to it. Nothing stellar, but nothing at this brew pub is.

On tap at the Wausau brewpub on 6/24/07: Pours a dark copper mahogany with a thin-lacing froth of white head. Aroma of dry, earthy, lightly toasted malt and some mild hop presence. Body starts fairly full and lightly sweet with a touch of caramel and earthy dark malts along with a decent bittering hop balance. A pretty good red ale.

Well made red ale with caramel malt predominating. Nothing especially great or noteworthy. Quite drinkable

On tap at the brewery/restaurant in Escanaba. Clearish amber-copper body, thin-medium buff head. Very light aroma (served at a frigid temperature), cerealy, sweet, and earthy. Fruity Cheerios sweetness, almost berry-like, accompanied by earthy, dry hops. Caramely. Pretty good Irish Ale. It’s always nice to find a good craft version of this often overlooked style.

I got this from my girlfriend who got a bomber for $2.99 and bought it.I had not ever seen it before so it sat in my fridge for 6 months and now i decided to try it,taste was malty and smooth not much alcohol to it with fruity flavors and smell and very drinkable not bad at all.CHEERS!

12/27/07 - Winter Road Trip ’07 - Draft sample at brewpub. Clear red w/ off white head, nice lacing. Sweet malt nose, caramel and fresh baked bread. May be some fruity yeast esters. Pretty big malt character, caramel and bread, leading to a dry, hop finish, floral and a touch of bitter. This is a decent offering.

A good Amber/Red, some good body and color. Not much head. Goes great with the Butcher’s Challenge.