Ordum Red Ale
Red ales are still a relatively small percentage of the pale ales drunk around the world, so my interest is always piqued when I run across a new one. Ireland is, of course, awash in good red ale options, but the rest of us have to hope some enterprising local brewer will take up the challenge. Fortunately Ordum has done so, and has approached this beer with the same fidelity and care they have approached the others I have reviewed here.
Red ale is deceptively tricky to get right. It is a balancing act - a Goldilocks beer: not too bright, not too sweet, not too bitter not too rich. the balancing act produces a depth of flavor and a sweet medium-heavy mouthfeel with a surprisingly light and short aftertaste. Ordum has hit pretty much every note here. Though I might call it a bit too sweet for my tastes, it is certainly well within the style.
This is not only an imminently drinkable session ale but pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken, cheese platters, and sausages - which is pretty lucky for me, since that's a shockingly large portion of my diet.
Style Guidelines
- Color: Copper (16 SRM)
- Standard: Copper-red to reddish-brown (5-12(10-24 EBC) SRM)
- Clarity: Some chill haze
- Standard: Chill haze or yeast haze may be present at low levels
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Medium candy malt aroma and flavor
- Standard: Low to medium candy-like caramel malt sweetness should be present in flavor. A toasted malt character should be present, and there may be a slight roast barley or roast malt presence.
- Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not present
- Standard: Not present to medium
- Perceived Bitterness: Medium-low (23 IBUs)
- Standard: Medium (20-35 IBUs)
- Fermentation Characteristics: Slight banana esters
- Standard: Low level fruity esters are acceptable. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
- Body: Medium
- Standard: Medium
Tasting Notes
- Sweet, malty, bordering on Belgian
- low head retention
For Fans Of
- Samuel Adams Irish Red
- Harpoon Irish Style Red
- Murphy's Irish Red
- Highland Brewing Gaelic Ale
