Redemption - Russian River Brewing Company

jaasen64

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

375ml bottle thanks to stmgl01 for the hook up! Poured into Founders tulip. Batch 11.

A- Pours a slightly hazy mostly translucent light lemony yellow color with about a finger of white foamy head that recedes to a thin layer leaving some lacing. Nice consistent rising carbonation bubbles.

S- Lemony grassy hops with some light funky brett and a light sourness, a hint of barnyard hay in the background. Smells similar to Damnation with a light brett smell that isn't too overpowering.

T- Light lemony grassy hops, hay, some light sourness that kind of mixes with the grass and lemon and doesn't really assert itself too much. A little bit of a watery finish that ends in a light lemony aftertaste that lingers.

M- Fairly thin, over carbonated which in my opinion kind of clashed a little bit with the farmhouse qualities, easy to drink.

O- This was a decent beer that I enjoyed drinking but wasn't overly impressed. I definitely enjoyed Damnation (the base beer) more and there are plenty of beers from RR that I would choose over this. I would drink this again, but definitely not pay the price tag on it or seek it out.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 22:40:24 | More by jaasen64

Etan

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12.7oz bottle into a tulip. Batch 11, so bottled September 2011?

A: Pours a clear light gold with a nice white head.

S: Slightly spicy yeast, rice, vanilla, a bit floral.

T: Dryish floral esters, a bit of grain. hint of grassy hops.

M: Light with active carbonation.

O: Definitely dryer than I was expecting, leaving it a bit flat flavor-wise. Pretty refreshing though.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 03:39:48 | More by Etan

spoony

Colorado

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From a 375 ml bottle into a tulip. Bottle dated 7/18/12.

A--There is a nice, fluffy 2.5 finger off-white head that recedes slowly. The beer leaves a cap of foam and some lacing. The brew is slightly cloudy and a has a pale yellow color. There were a few streams of carbonation visible.

S--There is a pleasant smell of light lemon, straw, and yeast. It is not terribly funky, but still has earthy, stoney undertones.

T--Mostly follows the smell, i.e., earthy and musty with some citrus/lemon fruit and spice notes. The spice is there, but not overwhelming. This beer is not a huge palate-wrecker, but has more subtle flavors.

M-Lighter to medium bodied brew with measurable, but not substantial carbonation. Quite drinkable.

O-I liked this beer for its balance and drinkability (almost a session beer), but for 6 bucks I felt like it was just a bit too subtle when compared against some of its Belgian pale ale competition.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 05:09:43 | More by spoony

wisrarebeer

Wisconsin

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Batch 012. Thanks to Alissa for bringing this back from Colorado.

A: pale amber hue, some cloudiness, nice puffy head when poured that kept to a thin veil
S: estery, full nose, some yeast
T: very mellow, well-balanced, estery up front with nice hop bitter balance in finish without going over the top, some yeasty overtones in finish
M: quenching, snappy, very refreshing beer, highly drinkable

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2012 00:28:39 | More by wisrarebeer

azdback

Arizona

3.8/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Poured into a pilsner glass, straw colored and clear. Large carbonation bubbles lead to a huge three finger head. Head is bright white colored and creamy in appearance but does dissipate rather quickly. Lace is very sticky and beautiful.

Smell is musty, earthy, banana, nuts.

Taste is exactly like the smell. Lots of musty yeast and hop varieties. Wheat and banana. Earth and funk.

Mouth is bright and light. Carbonation is medium with a decent finish that is rather dry.

Overall I know I should grade this on the style and not on my personal preference and I did but I will tell you here in the after notes that I hate everything this beer and brews of it's style are. I hate the smell, color, taste, popularity. I find it so hard to believe that so many BA's seek out this style of beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2012 06:39:34 | More by azdback

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Pour is super cloudy with a super clingy thick frothy bright white head.

The smell reminds me of Rayon Vert. Belgian yeast upfront dominated by bubblegum and banana esters, but the grassy, slightly funky Brett-like flavors come out.

The taste isnt as spicy as its Belgian counterparts. Light lemon notes with a slick Belgian yeast coming out as well. Those Brett notes have faded leaving a slick, sweet Belgian Pale. Super light notes of pepper and spicy yeast make an earnest effort to come out, but its just too sweet and slick.

It goes down soooo smooth and easy. If it were on draft, id order about 10234253.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 01:10:32 | More by VncentLIFE

tlazaroff

Virginia

3.28/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Wonderful yeasty notes are predominant on the nose bringing memories of freshly baking sourdough bread. Little bits of light lemon coming through as well.

Just tons and tons of carbonation creating a beautiful white creamy head. Straw yellow in color,

Upfront, Redemption is a tad tart and brings on lemon, grain, and bread like no other. The finish actually does remind me of a sourdough loaf. Very tasty, and quite refreshing, albiet almost sessionable. It has a lot of carbonation with a sharp, medium body. Satisfying me right now.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2012 00:59:34 | More by tlazaroff

elNopalero

Texas

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This pours a cloudy straw white color. I get a delicate aroma with hints of coriander and orange peel, full of yeasty esters. It is a delicate and light drinker, with a slight “musty” estery finish along with the coriander and orange notes. Pleasant.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 08:33:28 | More by elNopalero

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in sample glass at the brewery. From notes. Reviewed 14 April 2012.

A: Incredibly pale, clear, with some head and lacing.

S: Belgian yeast, cloves, and some light fruit (pear?).

T: Grainy and plain (straightforward?) but a great Belgian Pale Ale. Style points! Incredibly refreshing and drinkable, even if the only really noticeable flavour is the spicy-pleasant yeast.

O: An exemplar of the style. Highly recommended. Will be drinking again.

Serving type: on-tap

08-04-2012 21:34:12 | More by AgentMunky

WanderingFool

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Redemption pours a cloudy yellow with a small, thin white head. The foam fades quickly to a thin sheet leaving minimal lacing.

The aroma has notes of orange citrus, wheat and lemon rind.

Each sip of this medium bodied beer is smooth and creamy. The flavor is light wheat, lemon rind and a touch of Belgian spice. It finishes dry and lightly tart.

Overall this is a very drinkable, smooth and creamy beer. Very pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 23:45:48 | More by WanderingFool

rfbenavi80

Missouri

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle picked up a the Brewery. Batch 012. Poured into a tulip.

A- Pours a very hazy, cloudy, yellow color with rocky, bright white head that is leaving little bits of chunky lacing on the glass as it settles into a half finger cap on top of the beer.

S- Strong Belgian yeast on the nose, with hints of grassy hops, pepper, and citrus. Mild funk of damp straw.

T- Lots of strong Belgian flavors. Yeasty and bready notes hit the tongue first. Followed by the earthy flavors of herbs and grasses. Finishes clean and dry. Makes you want to keep drinking it.

M- Nice easy drinker with medium body and a pleasant amount of carbonation. Very refreshing.

O- Wish I had another bottle of this. It's an easy drinking, refreshing, BPA. Another solid offering from Russian River.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2012 05:58:50 | More by rfbenavi80

Scotchboy

Idaho

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12.7oz corked & caged bottle purchased at Whole Foods Portland OR. Poured into my New Belgium Globe.

A: Pours a cloudy, well-carbed yellow color with a brilliant white head that settles into a permanent half finger cap.

S: Pale malt and yeast, bready, with a hint of fruity esters and sweetness bordering on dessert bread...Belgian notes, faint grass, straw, and funk...just a hint of lemon peel and tea leaves.

T: Belgian yeast and breadyness, with a flash of peppery citrus and banana on the finish...straw-like funk is faint, lemon peel as well, with a light tea leaf flavor here as well.

MF: There is an oaty sensation on the feel...creamy body for sure, but very light mouthfeel...carbonation dances initially but it isn't distracting.

O: Refreshing and not overdone, a really solid BPA and a good drinker.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2012 14:08:56 | More by Scotchboy

n2185

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -14%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A: pours a hazy yellow with two fingers of white head that fades into a thin layer with little lacing.

S: clean candy sugar and spices with lightly sweet fruit aromas.

T: similar to the aroma, clean bready flavors with candy sugar and light fruits

M: medium-light body with low carbonation, tbis beer is a bit watery

O: a solid BPA overall. The watery body holds it back a bit, though.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2012 22:40:44 | More by n2185

Thickfreakness

New York

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 375ml bottle into my Bruery Tulip. Thank you 3rdto1st for this one!

A- Pours a light honey yellow with a brilliant white head. Nice and fluffy at first, but fades extremely quickly and leaves no lacing around the glass. Decent carbonation.

S- Nice tart lemon, funky yeast, pink peppercorns, fresh cut straw. Subtle citrus and piney hop notes. Nothing overpowering, but the understated tones and notes have a vibrancy to them.

T- Crisp and lemony! Nice little bit of yeasty funk and spicy white pepper. Nice little grassy and citrusy notes interweave on the tongue. A touch sour and tart. Really lively and bubbly on the tongue.

M- Pretty tart and Bretty... nice funk as it warms up! Lovely lemon-pepper bite mixed with a nice notes of citrus, green hops, and delicate sweet grains.

O- Really well done, but I'd expect nothing less from one of CA's top breweries. Perfect for this hot summer night. Crisp, clean, tart, funky, grassy, grainy and fruity! Excellent!

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2012 21:49:11 | More by Thickfreakness

51mmz0rz

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 375mL bottle into a Duvel tulip. Batch 12.

A: Golden body, nice white head. Retention is less than expected.

S: Clean yeast and noble hop aroma. Subtle malt background.

T: Some yeast flavors up front, but all in all a very clean refreshing beer.

M: On the edge of being over carbed, but I think it works. Finish is super dry.

D: A really nice example of this style. I am torn on my ratings. On one hand, this is a great example of the style...one the other, it's $4-5 for a 12oz bottle, which is going to set my expectations higher. It doesn't serve it's purpose very well at that price point.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2012 01:18:35 | More by 51mmz0rz

mocktm

Virginia

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

375 ML Bottle, Batch 011. This is my first shot at this beer, and I love Damnation, so I have high hopes.

Straw yellow in color and a bit murky, obviously unfiltered. Small amount of head quickly fizzles out, appears a bit flat.

Loads of bread yeast aromas with some slight pepper and a hint of citrus. Nose is heavily subdued compared to that of Damnation. A bit simple, but I suppose that is what Vinny was going for.

As with the nose, this tastes mighty yeasty, a bit funky with some light fruit and white pepper. Smallest notion of a hop presence at the end, but I find it rather sweet overall.

Medium bodied and absurdly dry, yet, incredibly creamy. This probably sets the standard for the style. This beer really follows the saying "simplicity, the ultimate sophistication" to the letter. Drinks incredibly easy and is really refreshing.

I have to be honest in saying that I was a bit disappointed by this at first, but the further I get into it, the more I get and appreciate what is supposed to be going on here. Really nice beer for a rare style, although for the price point, I'd rather pick up a Damnation 99% of the time. Still though, a solid offering, Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2012 19:10:31 | More by mocktm

lacqueredmouse

Australia

3.65/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on-tap during a visit to Russian River in Santa Rosa.

Such a light yellow colour that it's almost colourless, and perfectly clear, with zero haze: this is an interesting beer from the get-go. Head is white and a touch too coarsely bubbled, which is a shame, because otherwise it looks phenomenally interesting.

Round Belgian aromas constitute the nose, with a big-ass yeast note walloping everything into order. Slight pepper spice and a hint of astringency. But that's about it. It's nice in the style, but it leaves me a little empty.

Very light entry on the palate, with almost nothing until near the back. Even the mid palate only picks up a little earthy yeast. On the finish, we get some roundness, peppery earth and a hint of astringency like rosemary. But it's a little bit like too little, too late. No, that's not true, it's nice enough, but just not as exciting or spectacular as I'd expected.

Feel is light and clean: again, it's fine, but I want something more.

Overall, yes it's good. It's light, truly Belgian in style, and drinkable. But it's not that complex, and has a few things that I'd personally change.

Serving type: on-tap

07-18-2012 04:18:35 | More by lacqueredmouse

ao125

Virginia

3.63/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

With the way that everyone gushes over Russian River like it's the second coming of some long forgotten deity, I expected a lot more out of Redemption than what I got.

Serving Type: Poured from a chilled Russian River bottle into a goblet.

Appearance: Hazy straw gold. Quite nice to look at, actually. Absolutely screams "This is beer."

Smell: A bit of citrus and cereal grains, though not much much else.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, dry, a little thin compared with what I usually drink, but refreshing.

Taste: This tastes to me like what Budweiser looks like it should have tasted in all of the tv commercials from the 80s. Had you told me this was a lager, I would have believed you, no question.

Overall: I don't know what to make of this beer. Its pedigree promised so much more than what it delivered, but what it delivered wasn't bad. This was *the* perfect beer to drink, coming in from the pool on a hot summer day. It was absolutely refreshing and the beer yelled "SUMMER!" from the top of its foamy little lungs... but I expected a lot more depth of flavor and aroma than what was delivered.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2012 16:49:16 | More by ao125

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4.13/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap served in the brewery in a shaker pint glass

A - Pale straw, slightly hazy, with 2 finger froathy white head with excellent retention and clingy lacing.

S - Bready, wheat, some lemon zest.

T - Very fruity, bready and a bit of earthy funk yeast tones. Has a very creamy character and a sweet slightly sour finish.

M - Medium body, moderate-high carbonation, creamy.

O - A really fantastic summer beer. It would be so nice to live in Santa Rose just to drink beer like this on tap every chance one could get.

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2012 20:00:25 | More by williamjbauer

stephenjmoore

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Batch 009

A- Cloudy grapefruit juice looking body with some yeast sediment mixed in. Thin white head on top that leaves some bubbles.

S- Musty citrusy aromas with some grapefruit and white grape coming through. Light yeast aroma comes through as well.

T- Virtually everything in the nose comes through. Citrus notes comes through first along with some wine-like grape must notes. The taste finishes dry with some bread and yeast notes.

M- High carbonation, finishes somewhat dry.

O- Very good BPA. More complex than most, but very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2012 17:46:36 | More by stephenjmoore

pigc

Nebraska

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Batch 009

A - Pours a hazy straw colored yellow with thin head that fades away rather quickly leaving a perimeter lacing ring.

S - Subtle herbs, grass, lemon, light citrus.

T - Follows the nose. Lemon and grass up front followed by a semi-dry lingering finish.

M - Light bodied with light carbonation.

O - Very easy drinking blonde. Glad I tried this but not a beer I would seek out. A bit overpriced for what you get in my opinion but another quality beer by RR.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2012 02:34:10 | More by pigc

JustinQ

California

3.9/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

11.99 for 375ml bottle, bottle reads batch 012

Poured into Snifter glass

Appearence: Light yellow, straw like color, fairly clear but a little hazy, nice co2, very effervescent

Aroma: Clean, Low hop aroma, the malt and yeast play together wonderfully. Very faint spicy/floral aroma

Taste: Malty, fruit, spice character, low bitterness but it is there. Smewhat of a very clean grassy like flavor, Maybe earthy, herbal, is more accurte. Very nice

Mouhfeel: Fair body, co2 bite at first then dries out really nice.

Overall: Very nice beer, Would love to have another bottle but Its a bit pricey. I dont drink beer just to get a buzz but a little alcohol would be nice for the price.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2012 01:11:35 | More by JustinQ

TheSixthRing

California

3.88/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - Pours a hazy, pale yellow with a white, pillowy 2 finger head. Retention for days. Resulting lace is thick and sticky.

Smell - faint aromas; floral, slightly bitter.

Taste - Mellow, greenish banana, some light, sharp bitterness. Clove spice comes in around mid-taste. Finishes with a touch of earthiness. Light, fluffy flavors.

Mouthfeel - Light to medium in body. Softly carbonated. Smooth as all get out.

Overall - A smooth, lightly flavored, easy drinking brew if not a bit to it's own detriment. Probably not worth the asking price, lest one is at the brewery and/or getting it on tap.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2012 04:21:08 | More by TheSixthRing

chodinheaven

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Hazy pale blond in color with a thick pillowy white head on top that sticks around for a while. The aroma is dry and a bit citrusy with light bready malts, almost like a wheat beer. Clean and simple with a Belgian influence. Pleasant.

Citrusy and a bit acidic, both in pleasant and refreshing ways. Very bright flavors, like a banana straight of the tree and not quite ready to eat yet. Works really well here though. Slight notes of clove with a peppery touch in the middle. Underneath it all is a clean malt that acts as a very nice backdrop for the beer. The carbonation manages to be both lively, aided by the bright flavors, and soft, finishing long and dry. Very pleasant and easy drinker with complexities as well. Would go great with light dishes or even some slightly spicy ones.

Complex and tasty, bright and refreshing. Definitely a well crafted example of the style and worth the buy for sure. Would like to have a few of these on standby for those hot summer days.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2012 05:31:48 | More by chodinheaven

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.93/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 12/2010 notes. Poured into a Nostradamus flute glass. Pours a pale golden amber. Light head leaves a ring around the glass, slight lacing. Aroma of wheat, light malt, yeast and Belgian spicing. Sweet wheat flavor, almost reminiscent of a heffeweizen, light malt and Belgian spice. Finish is sweet wheat and then an increasing bitterness. Pleasant, but not quite as good as the best Belgian pale ales. An interesting ale that I will revisit.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 03:38:29 | More by LiquidAmber