By Julia Burke, Beer Editor
This offering from Chelsea Brewing Company in NYC isn't seen too often in the Buffalo area, so when I saw it on tap at Blue Monk I had to give it a shot.
Pouring a murky amber red into a pint glass with barely a one-finger head and no lacing whatsoever (likely a factor of the bar rather than the beer - I always give the benefit of the doubt with draft pints).
The nose has a rather locker room-esque funk and a musky, grainy hop presence, with little other flavor.
At first sip the surprising sweet raisiny crystal-malt character is quite pleasant, but the clumsy smack of hops on the rather short finish detracts immediately for an underwhelming drinking experience.
Not unenjoyable, but a slightly awkward effort. For chili and other spicy foods.
Producer: Chelsea Brewing Company
ABV: 5%
Sample Size: 16 oz. pint
Stemware: Pint glass
Price: $7
Availability: Year-round
Rating: C+
Julia:
Back in 1996 Sunset Red won a gold at GABF.
Originally, this beer had an extraordinary balance of malt and hops - it was my favorite beer from 1996 thru 2001.
The brewer, brewery, and production is just not the same today...
Dan McGurn
Posted by: Dan McGurn | October 31, 2010 at 10:42 PM