Red Racer Classic Pale Ale - Central City Brewing

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

3.05/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Beer labeled as "Red Betty Pale Ale"
Poured from a 12oz can into a shaker pint.

Appearance
Gold with 2 fingers of fluffy, white head. Moderate carbonation with good clarity and good retention.

Nose
Toffee, butterscotch, honey, grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.

Taste
Very malt forward with caramel and biscuit as well as touches of toffee and honey. Grapefruit pith, lemon and touches of pine round out the hop bill.

Mouthfeel
Medium bodied, smooth and refreshing.

Overall
The hops are really restrained in this APA. Very malty and heading into ESB territory. I'm not terribly into this one, however it is very easy drinking.

Serving type: can

01-06-2013 18:21:36 | More by justintcoons

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.8/5  rDev -25.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Served in a Gale Sayers shaker pint glass.

No date info on the bottom of the can...though there normally is...odd... Anyway, this stuff pours a clear pale-ish brass topped by plenty of lightly off-white foam. The nose comprises dry pine needles, dusty toffee, and mild biscuit. Separately, those wouldn't be all that great, but, somehow, together, everything works out decently enough. The taste holds notes of depressed pine needles, light mint, light menthol, and a touch of watered-down tea. Man, this just doesn't taste all that good to me... The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a slightly oily feel. Overall, I hope this is just an old can (impossible for me to tell...), but, if it's not, this stuff just ain't very good at all.

Serving type: can

10-10-2012 04:44:12 | More by TMoney2591

smakawhat

Maryland

2.85/5  rDev -24%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Poured from the can into a nonic pint glass. UPDATE can reading of M2509 is WAY OLD! I will re-review this in the future for sure when I can.

A pale and muddy orange light amber body, with a good thick white head, three fingers deep, with a good cap and retention. Some sticky qualities in the head but a rather hazy and muddy appearance.

Nose is full of movie theater diacetyl popcorn. I smell nothing else going on here. I kind of want to get some salt and spread this, but still not feeling it. I would like something else, but sorry as much as this isn't really off putting you should deliver something else for my senses.

Taste is much improved, but hardly anything to brag about. Orange fruit somewhat, with a light body palate with some wet like juice quality. However, the body is quite thin with hardly a malt backbone to carry anything forward. Hop angle, non existent.

Overall, really loved the IPA Central City, but this is not getting it done at all. In short a wet buttery forgetful mess.

Serving type: can

08-14-2012 02:47:59 | More by smakawhat

AaronS

4.85/5  rDev +29.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I created an account here just so I could rate this beer. It is amazing. It's very hard to find in Chicago but I seek it out regularly.

I found a regular pint glass doesn't do anything for it. I prefer to use a Guinness glass. Huge firm, sticky head like a marshmallow.

This is hands down my favorite IPA. Smooth hops with a fresh, tangy, yet soft bite.

The can design is a thing of beauty as well.

Seek this out and try it.

Serving type: can

Serving type: can

07-26-2012 15:30:02 | More by AaronS

jrenihan

Ontario (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Beer is golden with a small white head that fades quickly. Decent lacing.

The scent is dominated by lemon. Quite unusual, but a nice clean smell. Hoppy but with a malty backbone.

Nice hoppy flavour. Light citrus fruit, lemon mainly. Some caramel malt behind. A bit grassy.

Medium bodied, overly carbonated. Irritating.

Overall, quite tasty. A fairly unique and tasty APA.

Serving type: can

07-11-2012 05:53:28 | More by jrenihan

Noxious26

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.68/5  rDev +24.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

355ml can poured in a pint glass. Purchased from Willow Park in Regina.

Light copper to dark orange in colour. Off white head is 1/4 inch on the pour and recedes to a few islands and a thin ring around the edge. Moderate streams of carbonation and delicate lacing down the sides.

Aroma is a big punch of citrus accented by sweet caramel. Yummy juicy fruit gum with hints of grapefruit.

Citrus throughout. Sweet and mellow with hints of caramel at the start. Drier and a hoppier citrus finish.

Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Very smooth and easy to drink.

One of the best APAs that I've ever had. This is only the second Central City brew that I've had but colour me impressed. Wish I had more access to these terrific beers!

Serving type: can

07-05-2012 03:01:44 | More by Noxious26

EtOHMD

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 6 pack can to pint glass.

A: Clear, orange with decent white head. Visible carbonation.

S: Pine. Mild orange. Slight maple syrup.

T: Nice mix of peppery and citrus (orange and grapefruit). Mild breadiness. Slight caramel.

M: Dry, sharp up front.

O: Very good pale ale and easy to drink.

Serving type: can

06-15-2012 23:51:59 | More by EtOHMD

sukwonee

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: 2 finger head, not much lacing, light-to-medium orange body, some bubbles

S: Citrus, lemon

T: Refreshing! (and hoppy). I get lots and lots of citrus and lemon and hoppy bitterness. Finishes with a bit of malt and more bitterness.

M: Good amount of carbonation, light to medium body.

O: I liked this brew quite a bit. I would have given a 4.5 overall if it had a bit more, but I don't seem to get other fruits other than lemon and some bitter citrus. Different for sure.

Serving type: can

05-04-2012 06:29:55 | More by sukwonee

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Have enjoyed this several times but somehow never reviewed it
A - clear rich golden, two fingers of head dissipated slowly leaving random lacing
S - grapefruit juice, orange zest, biscuity and spicy, very inviting
T - punget grapefruit and orange hop flavours with some light perfumes, biscuity grainy malt with light peppery nots
M - light body, initially juicy moving to a pleasant balanced bitter
O - super flavourful and sessionable, Central City has yet to dissapoint

Serving type: can

03-04-2012 06:23:44 | More by joemcgrath27

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.8/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a bright orange amber with a massive medium white head, constantly renewed by active carbonation. Fun to watch. Nice aroma of citrus hops, light citrus fruit, sweet malt. Muted flavor of citrus, hops, light malt, light fruit; finishes with a moderate dry hop kick. Light bodied. Pleasant and great aroma, but somewhat lightly flavored. Decent hop kick. Not too bad for a fall back low ABV ale.

Serving type: can

02-28-2012 04:56:30 | More by LiquidAmber

CrazyMike

Alberta (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden amber appearance with lots of foamy head that slowly settles down leaving little lacing. Smell consists of hops, various fruit, caramel and grass.

Taste consists of mainly of hops; Also consists of grapefruit and other various fruit, grass, caramel, bread and citrus. Pretty flavorful combination and well balanced. Light bodied with high carbonation. Finish is a bitter, hop taste.

This is a decent APA; it's light but manages to be very flavorful and refreshing. Hopefully this is sold in Calgary come summertime. Worth a try.

Serving type: can

02-18-2012 03:12:30 | More by CrazyMike

timtwoface

British Columbia (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had this beer many times over the years and I always enjoyed it. A very crisp and clean, easy-to-drink pale ale but with more than the standard amount of hops that gives it a real kick. I truly think it's delicious and you oughta check it out!

Serving type: can

01-07-2012 19:48:12 | More by timtwoface

papat444

Quebec (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Part of a mixed pack that my uncle brought for me when visiting.

Poured from a 355ml can, canned Nov. 8, 2011 (Lot K0811).

Appearance: Excellent white head, glued to the sides and a light amber body to support it.

Smell: Citrusy, hop sugar and some pine.

Taste: Bready malt, a bit of mineral-like hops, some brown sugar and fleshy orange as it warms.

Mouthfeel: Rather clean, moderate bitterness. Strong malt (that's good) to start but peters out after.

Overall: Liked it but didn't completely win me over. The body could have been more fuller. Expected better especially considering their IPA and i have had better pale ales. Still, it was enjoyable.

Serving type: can

01-05-2012 13:11:52 | More by papat444

crossovert

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz can with a strapping young redhead on a bike. Newer can than pictured.

It pours a clear orange with a nice white head.

The smell is great. Pure citrus lemony goodness. There is a hint of what may be simcoe in there as well.

The flavor is light but interesting. Nice citrus and light fruits with a nice hint of piney bitterness on the back end. The ale equivalent of a "helles" lager.

This brewery has 2 gems in its lineup, hopefully the US sees more.

Serving type: can

10-13-2011 03:33:48 | More by crossovert

DrewShal9

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: golden amber with a 2 finger white head and tiny bubbles constantly fizzing to the top
S: smells slightly metallic with a tropical fruit note
T: slight grapefruitburst finishing with peach, pineapple, lemon, and a hint of bready malt
M: tiny bubbles constantly punching the tastebuds with flavor. Very light.
O: a decent brew. Should've waited for the can to get colder but I could see this as a staple in my fridge. At 5%, very sessionable and would be a perfect summer beer.

Serving type: can

09-23-2011 06:40:21 | More by DrewShal9

flagmantho

Washington

4.1/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 12oz can into a clear mug.

Appearance: clear golden hue with a little touch of haze. Pours a thick finger of frothy ivory foam head which is nicely attractive.

Smell: lightly fruity hop aroma with notes of grapefruit and pineapple. Nicely tropical and refreshing; I like it a lot.

Taste: bright hops throughout but not terribly strong, which is true to style. Hop flavors remain fruity and citrusy; malt is a little biscuity and bready; an interesting combo that seems to be working well.

Mouthfeel: light-medium body with a good carbonation and concomitant creaminess. Quite good for the style.

Overall: this is a well-composed beer with a good theme. The fruitiness of the hops and the light dryness of the malt play together well to make this a very refreshing thirst quencher. I'd definitely go for this beer again.

Serving type: can

09-06-2011 00:44:38 | More by flagmantho

distantmantra

Washington

3.55/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. can poured into a straight pint glass.

A: The beer pours a dark golden color with a one-finger head of white foam. Medium lacing clung to the sides of the glass and remained throughout.

S: There's a very nice and fragrant aroma to Red Racer Pale. Some fruity notes along with caramel and a little touch of yeast.

T: There isn't really one singular flavor that stands out, there's a nice balance of caramel, citrus spice and bready malt. There's a bit orange peel oiliness in there as well.

M: The beer has a nice light body with fizzy carbonation and a oily mouth feel that dries out at the end.

O: Although there are glimmers of an American pale Here, it also has flourishes of a British pale. It's not jam packed with flavor like some other North American pales, but it's still quite tasty and refreshing with a low ABV.

Serving type: can

08-27-2011 16:40:07 | More by distantmantra

Chico1985

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a nice bright-ish orange, lots of carbonation bubbles. White head becomes a slight cap and ring, not much lacing left.

Smell is not extremely potent, but it's all about the hops. Grassy, herbal, citrus.

Taste is also big on the hops but has more of a malt balance than the nose. A good mix of grassy, earthy, citrus and maybe a bit of floral. Warm bready malt is most present in the finish. Mouthfeel is light but good body for 5%, kinda high bitterness would effect sessioning it though.

A nice beer to have in a can, price is a bummer but I wouldn't mind picking this up now and then.

Serving type: can

07-23-2011 01:45:55 | More by Chico1985

horshack7

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Out of a can is a clear copper beer. On top is a crown of rocky yet still frothy head about two inches in height.

Aroma: Out of the gate a good wave of citrus hop grapefruit notes. Sweet watermelon in the middle. In the end is a little bit of sweet malts that round it out very well.

Taste: For an American Pale Ale there is quite a rush of grapefruit notes and other citrus fruits. As for the malts those simply round it out rather well and sweeten it up a bit. The mouthfeel does have a good crispness to it as well.

Notes: Quite a solid beer all around of which can be enjoyed anytime of year. Cheers.

Serving type: can

07-10-2011 02:00:56 | More by horshack7

Another6Pack

Michigan

3.53/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a pale yellow with a short, white head. Smell is citrus (mango? watermelon?) with some grassy notes.

Taste is fruity as well - a litte bit sweet; a little watermelon rind in there; but nice and crisp throughout. Good carb, refreshing, and in the right ABV range for a summer chugger.

Overall a decent APA when you're looking for something on the lighter side of the taste and body range.

Serving type: can

07-03-2011 17:16:54 | More by Another6Pack

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had this on 2011-06-28 in Joliet, IL

A - Dark gold with a 1-finger offshore head.

S - Pretty fragrant. Fruity, sweet caramel and mild yeast.

T - Biscuit, mild caramel, light citrus, mild spice. Dries out nicely and leaves a light orange zest and malt flavor. Well-balanced.

M - Light body and med-high carbonation. Effervescent.

O - I like this brew. Not as flavorful as a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or a 21A Bitter American, but better than a Victory Headwaters. Very good for a low ABV brew; a style I am appreciating more lately.

Serving type: can

06-29-2011 04:56:21 | More by Tucquan

Bierguy5

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz can, 5% abv. Golden color, with a fluffy white head. Some tiny bubbles rising to the top. Head trickles to a thin layer after a minute or two, leaving a few patches of lace.

Soft citrusy hop notes, with an English malt feel. Not overly hoppy in the nose, but a nice balance. Some fruity notes as well.

Nice lighter caramel malt feel. Not a great deal of sweetness. Citrusy and slightly earthy bitterness. Nice balance. Dries out at the finish.

Body is nice, with a nice amount of carbonation. Nothing outrageous, but very quaffable. Well done.

Serving type: can

05-29-2011 18:37:56 | More by Bierguy5

scruffwhor

Illinois

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Good golden copper color with nice bubbling and an off-white head of two fingers. The head retains to a nice layer of foam and leaves some lacing too.

The aroma has a sweet orange and lime aroma with just a little cereal grain. Bitter and a little sweet, very enticing aroma.

The taste is also sweet citric from the start to the middle, and fades a little on the finish. The finish has more hop bitterness and some delicate toasty characteristics.

Great session beer with a bubbly, resiny palate.

Serving type: can

05-29-2011 03:33:25 | More by scruffwhor

mcallister

Ohio

3.78/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Golden copper with large bubbles furiously scampering towards the great chunky, pillowy three inches of just off white head. Sticky lace and great retention.

Really like the nose on this one. Bready, biscuity malts, floral hops, with a tangy citrus note in the finish. A bit mineraly with hints of limestone.

A good pale ale. Nicely balanced with chewy malts in the middle. Toffee, biscuit, with a hint of cereal flavors. Hops are more towards earth and flower as citrus shows a twinge just at the very finish.

Nicely carbonated and refreshing. Prickly on the tongue and dry on the finish.

Serving type: can

05-01-2011 20:18:21 | More by mcallister

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Always looking for good canned craft offerings... I like red racer ipa, so this was an easy decision when I saw a 6 pack for $9.99!!!

Poured into pint glass.
Dark yellow color-- almost like a dull gold. Almost white head hits about 1.5 fingers and has average retention and lacing.
Smells nice. Not blowing my mind, but certainly not offensive in any way! The beer has some malty sweetness up front with an earthy hop note kicking in the back end and dragging along some citrus as well.

The taste is right in line with the nose. The beer is relatively mild in terms of flavor, but that only helps make it insanely drinkable. This is a beer I will buy to bring out golfing or on the water. I could drink this all day-- due in part to a medium-light body and plenty of carbonation.

The bitterness is perfect, the beer is well balanced, and that results in a solid beer that I plan on buying again.

Serving type: can

04-23-2011 22:12:27 | More by AleWatcher