Last weekend I visited an old friend in Los Angales for Halloween. While California is known for its beer, LA is not. Nonetheless, I stopped into a BevMo chain liquor store to see if there was anything local to try. The staff member was exceedingly friendly and helpful and led me to this brilliant beer.
ReaperAle is based in Lake Elsinore, CA, about 50 miles from LA. I’m not sure if I’ve heard of them before. Their beer labels feature dark Gothic imagery prominently featuring the grim reaper. Appropriate for the season, to be sure.
The beer is Redemption Red Ale. I poured a bomber into two pint glasses for me and my friend. First thought: looks more like a brown than a red. The dark transparent brown contrasts the finger of fluffy white head.
The taste is a surprise. It’s a mix of familiar elements combined in a way I’m not sure I’ve experienced. Initial response is that we have a mix of a red and a brown in flavor as well as in color. It’s malty grain up front, with the sweetness supporting as undertones. A robust nutty flavor reminiscent of pecans comes first, along with some red fruit, maybe overripe strawberry. In comes the sticky caramel. The hop side is considerable. Herbaceous citrus hop flavors rise up enough to balance out the sweeter flavors and add a crispness that keeps the experience refreshing. The finish is long, perhaps due to the stickiness of some of the flavors, and enjoyable to the end.
Both my friend and I loved this beer. The kicker was when I learned it was 6.2% abv. What!? This beer delivers a whole lot of awesome at an abv that begs you to have another. And then maybe another after that. This is a great beer and I hope to try more from ReaperAle in the future.
