Brew Brain Blog

Updated 7/11/2008

Allow me to present Red Seal Ale from North Coast Brewing:

This is another blind pick for me - never heard of it before picking it off the shelf at the local grocery store. Another Northern California brewer’s handiwork, this one sports a symbol of sorts of the SF Bay Area - the seal. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for about 13 years now, and I’ve never seen a red seal. But if they always hang out with beers of this quality, I’ll have to track one down. I guess I’ve given my review away a bit, but here goes anyway:Appearance: This beer pours a mostly clear orange color. There is a bit of a head, but is disappeared pretty quickly.

Smell: Nice light summery fruit scents abound. I got some peach and a little citrus to go along with light malt and floral scents.

Taste: Right away I knew I’d found something special. It is well balanced with nice malt flavors - some caramel, some toasted grains. Very bready. It is balanced perfectly with light hops flavor, growing to a substantial grapefruit kick that lingers just enough.  The flavors seem to grow and deepen with every mouthfull. Still, they are never harsh or overpowering. This brew is well balance between flavor and smoothness.

Mouth Feel: This is a full-bodied ale with a creamy texture and perfect carbonation. It is smooth and tasty all the way down.

Overall: This brew immediately jumps to my list of favorites. It is tasty and well balanced. It is plenty flavorful, but also mild enough around the edges to keep the casual beer drinker in the game. Just an excellent all-around effort. I think I’ll have another, thank you!

Brew Brain

Drinking Shirts and other Beer Gear