Raposa Brown Ale

Raposa Brown Ale
Brewery:	Asturias Brewing Company
Style:	English-Style Brown Ale
ABV:	5.8 %
Ratings
In Style:
Excitement:
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Sweetness:
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Raposa is quite possibly the most popular craft beer in central Asturias. It is definitely one of the most widely available craft beers in bars in the area.

This is an English brown ale in the Southern style, more akin to the old mild ales of days past than to the nuttier, hoppier versions in the North like Newcastle Brown Ale. Sweet, dark, but still higher ABV than might be expected. I liken it to Wychwood Hobgoblin in that it has a little booziness to it.

Pairing Raposa

I personally think that Brown Ales are the perfect accompaniment to most foods. Raposa in particular is excellent with smoky meat based dishes, which Asturias has no shortage of. Caramelized malts and caramelized meats (and onions) go together like hand and glove, so have one with your next parillada.

I drink these types of beers all autumn, and living 20 minutes from the brewery, this is my go-to brown ale. Beef Stew? Wild boar? Grilled sausages? This holds up so nice to the fatty flavors in any of those, and the sweetness really rounds out the experience.

I also like Raposa as a partner to a cheese board. Particularly one heavy on the blue cheeses. Cabrales, Mamá Marisa, and Peñoceo are all excellent choices to pair with this one. Particularly accompanied by toasted nuts.

Style Guidelines

• Color: Brown (20 SRM)
  • Standard: Copper to dark brown (12-24(24-48 EBC) SRM)
• Clarity: Very clear. No chill haze
  • Standard: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
• Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Sweet, roasted malt. Toasty biscuit notes.
  • Standard: Roast malt may contribute to a biscuit or toasted aroma profile. Roast malt may contribute to the flavor profile. Malt profile can range from dry to sweet.
• Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Very low
  • Standard: Very low
• Perceived Bitterness: Low (26 IBUs)
  • Standard: Very low to low (12-25 IBUs)
• Fermentation Characteristics: Subtle fruity esters present in small amount. No diacetyl
  • Standard: Low to medium-low level fruity esters are appropriate. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
• Body: Medium
  • Standard: Medium

Tasting Notes

If you are a fan of smooth, sweet British brown ales like Wychwood Hobgoblin or Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale, this is a must try