Red Hoptober - New Belgium Brewing

maki88

3.7/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

+

12oz bottle poured into a pint glass. Enjoyed at home.

A: Deep, rich clear, red color, bordering on a burnt color/brown. Thick, long-lasting, tan head with beautiful lacing. A beautiful-looking beer.

S: Sharp, hoppy aroma, balanced with some sweeter notes of citrus (grapefruit?) and sweet malts. Definite note of bready, toasty malts.

T: Far more pleasant and balanced than the nose suggested. Sharp and toasty up front, with the sweeter malt and citrus flavors blending in for a pleasant finish.

M: A bit thin, but generally unremarkable. Carbonation seems a bit high.

O: Solid brew - definitely lives up to the "hoptober" name. I wouldn't be knocking down doors to get this again, but I'd definitely drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 23:49:05 | More by maki88

KTCamm

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a pint glass.

Pours dark crimson red, bordering on black, with edges of white foam. Bready toffe nose, some pine too. Malty toffee taste, bready hop, blended. Hearty malt taste with a flavorful hop blend.

Really, really good. Solid amber, with the right balance of malt and hop.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2012 13:41:28 | More by KTCamm

YeastWrangler88

4.45/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a Sam Adams pint glass:

Apparence: beautiful dark amber color, with red hues, crystal clear, slightly brown head, maybe beige.

Aroma: smells of amber to dark malt with some earthy, grassy hops, very slightly citrusy, but I'd describe it as biscuity with some chocolate and fresh cut grass with ripe pine needles sitting atop.

Flavor: earthy notes hit my tongue first, followed by dark malts, as if I was eating slightly burnt hawaiien bread in the middle of a pine tree forest with fresh cut grass surrounding. Really, really plesent flavor. Flavors balance each other very nicely.

Mouthfeel: I would say medium body, but with a dry finish, carbonation is nice, nothing cloying in the beer, just a plesent taste that dissipates into a mellow burnt sugar flavor/feel.

Overall: this is a good one. Want a dark amber ale, but you also want an IPA? This is perfect. Well balanced, hop and malt flavor are extremely well thought out and executed very well. Drinkability is also really high, 3-5 bottles of this would not be a problem for a Friday or Saturday night session.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 03:09:10 | More by YeastWrangler88

Flounder57

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle was poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: This beer poured a one finger head that has reduced to a thin layer. There is some nice lacing on the glass as the beer was drank. It is an amber copper color with great clarity and signs of bubbles coming up through the glass.

Smell: Citrus and grapefruit, some light fruity and bready notes too.

Taste: Tastes better than it smells. Very citrusy.

Mouthfeel: smooth, low to medium carbonation, medium bodied, some tingly bitterness, and a enjoyable beer.

Overall: Very nice beer and happy my brother brought this back for me to enjoy in Boston.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2012 01:36:22 | More by Flounder57

tronester

Oklahoma

3.85/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A reddish brown in color with a thin tan head. Strong grassy, piney, herbal aroma. Taste was a bit of dark caramel up front, followed by some big grassy, herbal flavors. Mouthfeel was good. Overall a good red ale that I would get again. Probably the hoppiest offering I have had from NB.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 02:14:01 | More by tronester

UnderPressure

South Carolina

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A dark reddish brown beer with off white head. Head lingers at 1/4 inch or so

Balanced aroma of hops and sweet malt

Roasted grain flavor upfront. Fruity, citrusy hops in the finish.

Medium thick mouthfeel. Pretty dry finish.

A good malty, hoppy beer with plenty of flavor and body.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 20:58:21 | More by UnderPressure

Murrhey

Montana

3.6/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass. Reviewed live.

A- Finger and a half off-white color head. Medium retention, soapy lacing. Nut brown color with some cherry hues. Semi-clarity. Nice looking beer.

S- Musky, piney hops and some medium fruits. Quite inviting smell. Somewhat complex and not overpowering with hops.

T- Piney hops and earthy tones. Acidic.

M- Smooth and drinkable. Dry finish.

O- Above average. Does a good job not being too overpowering with hops.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 04:27:44 | More by Murrhey

Quackershnoc

Michigan

3.88/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22 ounce bottle, served in a Weizen glass
Appearance: deep amber color, very pretty actually; nice white head that sticks around
Aroma: really hoppy, almost stingy; a little pine perhaps
Taste: really surprised that the hops don't dominate all the way through; a lot nut flavor up front; moves really nicely into the hops, a little woody maybe somewhere in the middle; ends with a kind of burnt/roasty flavor; the aftertaste sticks around well and is quite nice
Mouthfeel: bright carbonation at the beginning, but not overly so; it goes down very smooth; not thick or thin, just right
Overall Impression: this is a great beer, just what you want in the fall; it's a mild pale ale that goes down smooth; very attractive beer, something I'd really like to drink (and keep drinking!); the nut and the fire-roasty flavors at the beginning and the end are just right; a very worth while beer and a good one to sip with a pal; I think my favorite part is the nutty transitioning into the hoppy flavor...that's just excellent

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 03:30:35 | More by Quackershnoc

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

3.98/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 Oz bottle poured into a pint glass
2012

A- Pours dark clear amber with a one finger of a bubbly off white head. Great retention.

S- Toffee, caramel, pine, resinous hop, maybe a slight chocolate.

T- Im surprised. Drinks like a red or brown ale. A nice hop presence. There is a sharp pine and some citrus notes as well. This beer has nice bit of toffee and caramel in it. This is a like a hop driven brown ale with some amber ale notes. A nice malty full flavored brew.

M- As thick as it should be. Not too bitter. Clean and somewhat refreshing.

O- This is a great beer. Wish I bought more then just a single.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 00:26:46 | More by TwelveOunces

chugalug06

Colorado

2.08/5  rDev -45.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Dated: Best by November 12

DARK, dark brew; deep clear brown in color. Head is white with an odd green tint.

Smokey, roasty, caramely. Slight fart aroma.

Thin, watery, nothing special. Carbonation is high too. There's an odd sweetness going on in this one.. Funky flavors that don't blend. Dark chocolate and leather are very thin draped over some spacy dull flavored hops.

This brew is a mess. A total turn off with too many random flavors/aromas. I can't recommend this, it didn't end up in my drain, but it's certainly one you drink fast; not in a good way.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 00:36:27 | More by chugalug06

KYGunner

Kentucky

4.03/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

In some respects it seems unfair to review this because I love Fat Tire so much. This brew resembles Fat Tire in its distinguishable maltiness but has a nice hint of citrus hops at the very end. Poured with a nice one finger creamy head it had significant lacing. Ruby colored, it had the scent of floral hoppiness but not the typical "biscuit" of Fat Tire. The flavor is of quality malt with a hop ending. Flavorful and full bodied it was a joy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 21:55:31 | More by KYGunner

ElderPuma

Wisconsin

4.03/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance is a very dark red to lighter brown, just a bit dark for the style. Initial head from the pour is a finger, maybe two, but quickly settles down to nearly nothing. Some lacing does occur on the way down, just the right amount. All in all a bit dark for the style and slightly less head than I'd like but still quite good.

Smell to me is just like a fall beer should be. Hints or caramel with that great cascade/centennial hop aroma. It makes me picture a nice sunny 55 degree day in early October.

The taste is fairly well balanced at first as the smell and appearance would indicate. However, the malt backbone drops of pretty quickly to leave behind a complex and somewhat bitter hop palate that dances on the tongue. Like any good PA, the hop palate builds over time giving way to a gradually more bitter and less balanced beer experience.

Mouthfeel is crisp and light with a bit of effervescence. Although I would not choose to session it, the mouthfeel and lingering hop flavor would lend well to that.

Overall Red Hoptober is a very solid fall seasonal beer that I will be looking forward too on the slightly cooler and sunny days of Fall again next year.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 22:52:33 | More by ElderPuma

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.98/5  rDev -21.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

The hunt is over... ...ahem...sorry. Anyway, this stuff pours a clear sunset amber topped by a finger of glowing off-white foam. The nose comprises sweet toffee, sharp pine needle, miscellaneous greens, and light leek. There may or may not be some mint in the background, but I can't tell for sure. The taste brings in more of the same, though now the mint does, in fact, come through in the midst of the pine. The hops clash amongst themselves while also clashing with the toffee. Not sure how they pulled that off, but I'm considering giving some reluctant props... The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fluid feel. Overall, I feel the hops and malts just don't cooperate well enough in this beer to allow me to enjoy it. Something like that.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 20:44:21 | More by TMoney2591

cosmicevan

New York

3.63/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to my bro in law mike for offering this up as soon as we got to town to visit. Enjoyed from a pint glass.

a - deep chestnut brown with an amber tint to the light. Nice foamy off white head. Lacing coats the glass.

s - nice crystallized malt. Somewhat marzen. Some nice hop presence. Nutmeg and brown sugar.

t - nice hop burst crossed with oktoberfest crossed with brown ale. Nice. Good amount of earthiness, similar taste and flavor profile to other new Belgium brews I have had.

m - medium to light bodied with a pinch of a bitter hop bite.

o - overall nice twist on an amber and makes it a better beer. Quite enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 19:15:31 | More by cosmicevan

Mojo

Alabama

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This offering pours up a deep copper, amost bronze color with a nice khaki head. There is decent retention and world class lacing (if there is such a thing.) The nose is floral, grass, nuts, and biscuit. Taste is very dry with the hop profile dominating the flavor. I also get a bit of citrus fruit upfront. Mouthfeel is okay with decent carbonation and a not completely unpleasant aftertaste. I'd probably drink this again, but I wouldn't actively search for it. But it's not bad, especially if you prefer a dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 05:50:09 | More by Mojo

arizcards

Arizona

3.9/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up a sixer from Total Wine in mid-September for $7.99.

Beer poured a deep amber with a nice off white head that is leaving lacing behind.

Nose is bready caramel malts and citrus hops.

Taste is very well balanced, bready caramel malts finishes with a nice citrus hop,

Mouthfeel is medium, pretty smooth, satisfying.

Overall a nice addition to the NBB lineup. My brother and i shared several bottles at a recent tailgate and he thoroughly enjoyed the brew. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 00:32:11 | More by arizcards

gpogo

California

4.28/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- Clear reddish brown body with a small tannish white head.

A- Sweet malts slight hints of caramel with a substantial aroma of citrusy hops.

T- How surpising, a very interesting and delicious brown ale sort of taste with a nice roasted malt. Nice balanced bitterness throughout. Very crisp. Bready slightly caramel finish.

M- Medium body, moderate carbonation. Very smooth and crisp.

D- This beer caught me off guard as to what I was expecting and at first I was very hesitant to enjoy it. I think it is a very good beer and definitely very drinkable. I hope to see it next season.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 04:51:48 | More by gpogo

Bookseeb

Washington

3.73/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance has a dark ruby red color supporting a healthy head giving way to fair lace. Smell has a nice balance of hops and malts with aromas of citrus and caramel malts. Taste holds a helping of hops giving way to citrusy grapefruit, but not overpowering the malt. Mouthfeel is medium light with good carbonation. Overall a very nice fall seasonal.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 01:18:52 | More by Bookseeb

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-brown amber color with a nice off-white head and good lacing

S-fruity, herbal, toasted bread, slight floral notes

T-light roasted malt, fruit, herbal and earthy

F-medium body with moderate carbonation, crisp

O-a decent amber ale, but depth of flavor not as prevalent as others

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 23:06:03 | More by MDDMD

brother_kenneth

Virginia

3/5  rDev -21.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from into a pint glass.

A- Nice dark red color. Minimal amount of tannish/white foam, doesn't last very long.

S- Toasted malts and hops are the most evident in the nose. There is a good bit of caramel / burnt sugar.

T- The taste is very malty and nutty. The hops blend very well here, Cascades I believe. This is not an ultra-sweet red, but is definitely what I consider to be a "malt bomb." Think big toasty malts and caramel, with hops in the background.

M- About average on the mouth for this type of malty brew. Light to medium body with just the right amount of carbonation.

O- This is what I consider to be a great seasonal beer. It is not extreme, it is not incredible. It is just very drinkable for the fall season. It is a bit different than most of the others out there, in that there are at least initially some noticeable hops. I plan to drink a few more of these before they are gone this year.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 22:21:31 | More by brother_kenneth

scvance

South Carolina

4.08/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a deep amber color with a thick, long lasting tan head. Excellent retention and lacing. Aroma is quite strong, definitely some earthy notes, dark fruit, slight alcohol, and a little yeast. Taste is bitter right up front. Earthy, piney, bitterness, wonderful fall hop character. Slightly sweet tasting. Medium carbonation and a medium body. This beer has a lingering bite to the finish, and is slightly resin like in the mouthfeel. An excellent dark pale fall style for sure, I definitely recommend giving this beer a try.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2012 21:44:37 | More by scvance

DavidST

Texas

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass, best before Nov. 11, 12. This pours a nice reddish amber color with a large odd white head with good retention and leaves a lacing. The smells are a nice bit of hops, and caramel. The feel is medium. The taste is good nice amount of hops and caramel malts.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2012 05:20:35 | More by DavidST

AEArider

Arizona

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a deep amber with a tan head and swell lacing. Consistently pleasing. . . smell is of a malt base with hop resin, citrus, spices, and grass floating on top. Taste is hoppier than expected from the style, with a bready base layered with lots of grassy and piney overtones. Smooth mouthfeel with an ideal level of carbonation. Well enjoyed.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2012 05:05:42 | More by AEArider

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

3.9/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes.

Pours out a coppery reddish amber color with two fingers of cream colored craggy head that lasts for about two minutes and leaves behind interesting patterns and swirls of lacing. Light crisp texture and assertively carbonated.

Smells of musty and earthy hopping but mostly of herbal tea-like hop spectrum over the top of toasted bread slices. The flavor has these elements but also includes pine and grapefruit pith at a medium-light level, and some light toasted nut flavors join the party as the glass warms up. Its a good interplay between the nuttiness, the toasted bread, and the somewhat higher than usual hopping for an amber (It easily crosses the line into typical PA hopping strength.) Check this one out if you like the notion of mostly herbal hopping on toasted bread malts as the central focus for a sessionable ABV beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 05:08:54 | More by WastingFreetime

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.8/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into pint glass

Appearance – Pours a clear reddish amber color with a one finger off white head. The head fades overall a moderate amount of time to give a decent level of lacing.

Smell – The aroma is of roasted malt as well as some more hop heavy aromas. The hops are a mix of pine and some herbal aromas. Less sweet then the traditional red, but quite nice.

Taste – The taste starts out with a bready and nutty flavor with hints of some roasted malt. With these flavors are a good presence of pine. The pine fades a bit more toward the middle as some caramel flavors come to the tongue. At the end some of the sweetness fades again as more pine and a lighter herbal hop come to the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the slightly above average side with a carbonation level that is average. Good for the lightly roasted and hop flavors of the beer while still maintaining a great drinkability.

Overall – A fairly tasty brew with some nice mild to medium hop presence and decent roasted flavors.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2012 01:57:16 | More by Darkmagus82