Overall Impression:
An easy-drinking pint, with subtle flavors. Slightly malty in the balance with an initial soft toffee/caramel sweetness, a slightly grainy-biscuity palate, and a touch of roasted dryness in the finish.
Aroma:
Low to moderate malt aroma, with a lightly caramelly-toasty-toffee character. Hop aroma is low earthy or floral to none (usually not present).
Quite clean.
Appearance:
Medium amber to medium reddish-copper color. Clear. Low off-white to tan colored head, average persistence.
Flavor: Moderate to very little caramel malt flavor and sweetness. The palate is fairly neutral and grainy.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light to medium body. Moderate carbonation. Smooth. Moderately attenuated.
Style Comparison: A less-bitter and hoppy Irish equivalent to an English Bitter, with a dryish finish due to roasted barley. More attenuated with less caramel flavor and body than equivalent-strength Scottish ales.
Commercial Examples: Caffrey’s Irish Ale, Franciscan Well Rebel Red, Kilkenny Irish Beer, O’Hara’s Irish Red Ale, Porterhouse Red Ale, Samuel Adams Irish Red, Smithwick’s Irish Ale.
