American Red Ale - Rock Art Brewery

BeerNinja007

New Hampshire

2.85/5  rDev -17.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Got a 12oz single today at Dan & Whit's in Norwich VT, I think it was $1.89 +tax/deposit. Bottled on date has two notches, one for Jan and one for May, and no year, so not too useful. Served cold in a chilled pint glass.

This dark sepia brew gives a decent 1/2" of tan head that settles to a thin frothy and stable layer with some larger bubbles and a good meniscus around the glass. Nose is pretty faint, just a bit of warm toasty malt. The taste has a great bit of mixed inky hop with a moderate body of toasty malt. Feel is mostly dry and the finish is very dry, astringent. Drinkability is lessened by the harsh dry finish, makes my teeth feel gritty.

I like a lot of Rock Art's beer, but this one falls short.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2010 23:22:06 | More by BeerNinja007

bundy462

Texas

3.68/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Amber with a nice frothy cream colored head.

S: Nice roasted malts. Hints of nuts, hop, toffee, caramel.

T: More hops that I had expected. The roasted malt flavor was still there but more muted than the nose. The hops were more dominating. Somewhat of a brown ale character.

M: Somewhat prickly yet smooth. Slightly creamy.

O: Good beer, I'll have another.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2010 01:10:33 | More by bundy462

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at tavelino in westborough, MA.

A: Fluffy 1/2 finger head fades at a medium pace with semi hazy dark molasses brown color.

N: Nice malts, toasty, a little roast, touch of caramel too. Some might earthy bitter hops as well. Also a slight creamy aroma. Nice toast and malt, but lackin more hops and too creamy, but some hints of smoked malt add to it.

T: Starts with more malts, some toasty malts, creamy with more roast, smoked malts, little chocolate too. Slight buttery with more light earthy bitter hops. A little fruit with touch of tangy that probably shouldn't be there.

M: Mouth is semi creamy medium body with decent carbonation.

F: Finishes with some grassy and earthy mild bitterness. Some lingering smoke and toasty malts, as well as some of the slightly tangy fruit. A little sticky sweetness and medium dry.

Serving type: on-tap

07-28-2010 22:26:52 | More by jlindros

Duhast500

Massachusetts

2.9/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from the tap into a pint glass.

The color is dark red, almost maroon with a finger or two of foamy white head that last for a short while. Not much in the way of lacing on the glass.

The smell is caramel with a slight toffee flavor and reminded me of a sundae without the ice cream.

The taste is has a nice malty flavor that is sweet with more caramel and toffee flavors. A creamy somewhat chocolate flavor is just on the edges and is only there ever so slightly.

The feel of this beer is medium and goes down well. Not a bad red ale, it pretty drinkable but is a little too creamy at times but overall not a bad beer.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2010 14:21:31 | More by Duhast500

ToasterChef

Maine

3.73/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from my notes. Poured from a chilled bottle into a pint glass. It is a clear yet dark red liquid. A small tan foam head sits on top. I can see a few carbonation bubbles rising. I can smell toffee malts and a few earthy hops. It beer is pretty cold, so I think the aromas may be stronger and more nuanced at cellar temperature. The flavor has toffee and caramel sweet malts. It reminds of the filling of a quality chocolate--but without all of that sweetness. Some tangy bittering hops appear as I swallow, but I can still taste the malts as well. Both flavors linger but don't overstay their welcome. It is a nice flavor. It isn't very sticky or leave behind much of a coat. It has a medium body and low carbonation. It is a quality mouthfeel, but not outstanding. Overall the beer is very drinkable. I have had a number of these in a sitting and will again. It's another fine red ale that I am glad is now available in my area.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2010 14:41:39 | More by ToasterChef

Casey10

Maine

3.6/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I felt this was just a above average for the style as have had a Zoe from Maine beer company as well as nugget nectar.

A - chesnut brown with a minimal head

S - nutty definate malts.

T - some accidity again kind of nutty taste.

m - a little tingly not bad nothing stands out though.

D - not bad again, its okay and would not turn it down.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2010 01:55:31 | More by Casey10

u2carew

Massachusetts

3.08/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12oz. Long neck.
A) Pours with a finger thick head that settles to a thin film on top. Ruby in color with some brown hues. Enough light shines through to see the upward carbonation. Lacing is thin and fairly sticky.
S) The expected malt aromas are subtle. There are hints of tree fruit apple and plum.
T) The malts are not robust but present. Lightly toasted caramel. Hops are present about midway through and come up a little stronger in the finish.
M) Medium body on the thin side. Fairly smooth. Dry in the finish.
D) An alright brew not one to brag about.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2010 22:47:03 | More by u2carew

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.23/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Decent start to the head but it settles to a single layer of bubbles. Leaves good, spotty lace. Brown color; quite dark for an amber. Clear.

Malty aroma. Low level hop smell. Interestingly, there is whiff of alcohol. I've never experienced this in a beer with this level of ABV.

Very astringent--dry and bitter. The swallow is quite harsh and the aftertaste dies quickly. No notable hop. Thin bodied with a high level of carbonation.

Overall, it has the wrong combination to win me over.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2010 17:42:18 | More by smcolw

silentjay

Massachusetts

2.6/5  rDev -24.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

red, white and blue color scheme on a pretty boring bottle.
pours a lot darker than I would have thought a transparent brown with a bit of a red tint. small head, with little lacing.

smells like burnt caramel and toast. not appealing, though.

tastes more like a red than the appearance or aroma, but still the burnt malt comes through most. Not a lot of hops to speak of. a touch of watery coffee and butterscotch. tastes like a half and half mix of Killian's and Newcastle, yet a bit stronger. Maybe a watered down smithwicks with more of a burnt flavor.

Mouthfeel is light and unimpressive. carbonation is ok, but overall its very watery.

Drinkability is average at best. I'm getting through the bottle, but I'm not enjoying it.

Not what i was expecting, much worse. I thought an American Red would be a hoppy red, but this is like half red ale, half brown ale. I like browns, I like reds, but this combination just doesn't work for me.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2010 01:18:57 | More by silentjay

tigg924

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: 1/4 inch head, clear, amber in color, small carbonation

Smell: toasted malt and a hint of coffee

Taste: toasted malt, toffee, and a touch of coffee

Mouthfeel: semi-sweet, medium bodied, morderate carbonation

Drinkability: I was pleasantly surprised with this very good brew. I like the strong malt presence in the body. With the low abv, I could have a six.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2009 14:59:36 | More by tigg924

BeerPhan86

New York

4.1/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Attempt 3/4 at this variety pack that has so far not impressed me.

A - Dark ruby amber in color, looks like a brown ale even. One finger tan head that quickly dissipates.

S - Earthy hops and caramel malts. Some hazelnut and chocolate perhaps, reminds me of the Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar alot! Finally a regular Rock Art with some smell to it (and hopefully flavor).

T - Mmm, I really like this. It almost makes up for the past two (IPA and Golden). Reminds me right away of a red ale I had at the Bobcat Cafe in Bristol. Earthy hops, a bit of chocolate and toffee, very bready. Has another finishing taste that I am having trouble describing but both of these reds had it. Just a great Vermont red ale taste, you'll know what I mean when you taste it. Almost a sweet, butterscotch, nutty, "woody" element to it is the best way I can describe the finish.

M - Medium with light carbonation, seems a little flat.

D - Very tasty and low abv. More flavor than the other two from the mix pack I have had and yet lower abv.

Overall, a really good red ale and probably the best brew of the mix pack so far. I like it. It seems they do not want to brew a typical version of any style they attempt, and while this may not be the perfect red ale, it is a great beer nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2009 03:07:40 | More by BeerPhan86

treehugger02010

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I got this out of the Rock Art variety case that I bought from Bryn Mawr Beverage in Rosemont, PA. I poured it into a pint glass.
Appearance: The body is a brown, dark amber color. The head is a tan color, 2 fingers tall, great retention, great lacing and small bubbles.
Smell: The aromas are earthy hop, caramel and malted milk balls.
Taste: The flavors are earthy hops, malted milk balls and some chocolate.
Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel is pretty thin.
Drinkability: This beer is pretty good.
Don't drink and review.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2009 13:09:20 | More by treehugger02010

DannyS

New York

3.75/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Finally, a chance to have some Rock Art brew again. Poured this 12 oz bottle into my favorite pint glass.

A - Pours a hazy rusty brown with almost no head. What little head there is does leave a thin collar and a few loose dots of lacing.

S - Toasted malt mainly with a toffee backing.

T - Slightly malty sweet with a toasty bitterness. Finishes very bready.

M - Thin, but not watery. Enough weight to prevent that, and the carbonation is medium-high.

D - Modest ABV and decent flavor. Sessioning is definitely a possibility if this one appeals to you

Overall - The first Rock Art beer I've had in a long time, and while it's not absolutely amazing, it satisfied.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2009 02:04:29 | More by DannyS

ClockworkOrange

Pennsylvania

3.4/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A 12 ounce bottle poured into my standard shaker glass. Thanks Tim! The ale appears a clear amber color with about an inch of lingering off white foam. Notes of sweet caramel malts, lightly toasted grain, cereal, slightly spicy, grassy hops. About medium bodied and amply carbonated. Decent balance though and worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2009 03:53:02 | More by ClockworkOrange

mobud

Delaware

3.35/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle into tulip pint

A-Dark copper penny with small white head. Light carbonation.

S- Very malty sweet

T- Very bright. Sweet malt with a rye bread finish.

M- Medium

D- A good middle of the road beer. Enjoyed it with a spicy sausage and it paired well. Would be glad to get more of this beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2009 13:44:09 | More by mobud

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a nice deep red, nice head and lots of lacing to it. Smell is sweet, some caramel notes in there. Taste is sort of light bodied, nice mouthfeel to it though. Mostly malty taste, not much for hops here. I'm a big fan of Red Ale's.. probably my favorite style actually, but the lack of hops in this one kinda let me down. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all 3 in the mixed 12 pack, but they were a little boring taste wise. Easy to drink, smooth, no frills.. solid beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2009 21:23:49 | More by marlinsfan4

williamherbert

New York

3.88/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Red with an orange tinge. Clear but tons of carbonation. Light layer of foam.

The smell is well-balanced. Nice, grassy hop at first, then a roasted bitter malt. The foundation of a smooth red but with a surprising hop addition. Excellent smell.

The taste is a heavy burnt malt dominating. The hops are but a spicy accent, although they get more woody with warmth. It finishes on the roasted bitter side.

The feel is smooth but also bubbly. It's a very solid red ale with a little something extra.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2009 03:07:23 | More by williamherbert

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12-ounce bottle into a Bud pint glass (yikes!).

A: Pours a medium-copper amber color with a two-finger head of white foam and a very nice clarity. The head leaves some decent lace and carbonation is fair.

S: Smells sweet, bready and malty with a hint of hop leaf oil.

T: Taste is sweet roasted caramel malt layered under richer cereal malts and grain. Just a nice, all-around malted brew with a slight but noticeable hop backbone to even out the sweet with a shade of bitterness.

M: Mouthfeel is medium bodied and very easy drinking.

D: A very good session ale and a nice pick for someone or some dish which requires a lighter drinking, complimentary ale without getting into stronger flavors or ABV, or a lighter blonde lager or ale which might lose out in flavor.

I can see why this brew is unofficially dubbed "Super Glide." Very easy drinking, satisfying to the general beer drinker, but not outstanding for the style. Very good malt profile, though, and possibly one of the best year-round brews from Rock Art.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2009 05:18:10 | More by Gambrinus1184

Jettanbass9

Pennsylvania

2.68/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

I really wish I could break this beer down into A, S, T, M, D but i can't. This beer is extremely simple. Too simple.

There are no off flavors, nothing that would make it a drain pour however, the beer seems overattenuated, lacks body aroma, and a hearty flavor that an Amber should.

Hop flavors are very light but present as is the caramel malt. The only thing this has going for it is its drinkability. It's light body unassertive flavors could make for a decent brew, if you plan on getting surly.

All in all, it misses the mark in the style BUT isn't a bad brew if you are looking for some decent swill.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2008 03:50:07 | More by Jettanbass9

corby112

Pennsylvania

2.25/5  rDev -34.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Pours a clear amber color with a very thin white head that quickly dissapears. Weak aroma with faint hints of malt and hops and not much character. Very watered down with subtle maltiness and a slight dry hoppy finish. Weak interpretation of the style.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2008 17:39:48 | More by corby112

barleywinebrewer

New Hampshire

3.9/5  rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

thanks to imagineiii for the chance to try this bottle.

A - deep reddish brown color with a nice offwhite head.
S - light malts and a light citric hop note.
T - caramel malts, light hop bite, a hint of grains.
M - light bodied, nicely carbonated with a clean finish.
D - nice session / dinner beer.

paired with a gumbo soup and a baked potato with salsa. Worked well for me. I'd definitely order on tap if it was available.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2008 12:02:01 | More by barleywinebrewer

imagineiii

Vermont

3.78/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Consistent burnt amber color. vigorous pour reveals only minimal head, which dissipates. Not much carbonation.

S: subtle malt, pine and citrus. Toned down as the style calls for.

T: Simple. Malt sweetness followed by a nice roasty bitterness. Not much for over powering flavors, but light and clean for a red.

M: Subtle carbonation doesnt overpower the pallet. Flavors are balanced and simple, thus fleeting. Has a "small batch" feeling.

D: Very. A great session beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2008 22:40:28 | More by imagineiii

WesWes

New York

3.18/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The beer pours a dark amber/brown color with a thick frothy offwhite head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is decent. It has a nice pale and crystal malt scent along with a slightly aggressive hop aroma. The taste is average. It has a thin malty flavor that boasts of roasted and crystal malts. It's quite hoppy with little balance. The mouthfeel is decent. It is a low/medium bodied beer with good carbonation. This is an average red ale. It's a little one sided with more hops than malt.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2008 15:37:29 | More by WesWes

thekevlarkid

Maryland

4/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pored out of the bottle a deep, wood stain brown with an off white head. Very little head and the aromas are equally subtle. A nuttiness and sweetness vaguely reminiscent of peanut butter. OK, I really liked these flavors, buttery, nutty, sweet malts and cereal malts. Deep and robust. Slightly bitter at the end when the hops kicks in. Long finish lingers on the tongue. Smooth, clean and quite sessionable. Yum!

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2008 17:23:32 | More by thekevlarkid

Atron67

Wisconsin

4.13/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- pours a really foggy brown with red hues, pretty different from your run of the mill red ale. has a tan/offwhite head which built up to an inch or so but fell quickly and didn't leave much of note behind.

S- pretty solid smell, some good maltiness, slightly sweet, hop aroma is pretty noticable, which is nice, but the focus stays on the malt.

T- actually very good tasting despite the mediocre start. smooth slightly melanoidin tasting malt. smooth crisp, pretty solid malt tasting, with a little other complexity

M- medium body, stronger carbonation, though nothing heavy.

D- a solid session beer choice.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2008 02:00:24 | More by Atron67