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Beer Review: Mendocino Red Tail Ale


On my last day in California, I was determined to try as many local brands as I could get my hands on. After tracking down a local shop that sold a good variety of brews, I returned to my hotel room, intent on sampling a few of my finds before I headed out to dine that evening. The first beer I tried, advertised as a 'full-flavored amber ale', was from the Mendocino Brewing Company, whose Hopland Brewery was California's first (post-Prohibition) brewpub. Medium in both color and body, I did find this beer to have a solid flavor, albeit without hops or fruit notes. Also touted as being 'legendary for its crisp, clean flavor', I found this brew was indeed crisp at the finish. A good beer, and a good start to my evening of tasting! -- Brewmeister G

The Brewer? Mendocino Brewing Company - - - - - - - When tasted? 16 May 2002
Place of Origin? Ukiah, California - - - - - - - How tasted? 12 oz bottle
Style of Beer? Ale - - - - - - - Where tasted? At a hotel in Lompoc, California


What a strange surprise -- a microbrewery from Saratoga Springs, New York in a super market in Northern Virginia. [Editor's Note: While this beer is from California, they apparently have it contract-brewed by a brewery in New York -- perhaps for East Coast distribution?] This amber bottle sports a Red Tail bird clutching grain or wheat and looking a bit intimidating. Their label advertises the caramel malted barely, which I would have to agree, adds a complex and crisp flavor. I found this bird to be slightly nutty in taste and very rich. A well-rounded ale. -- Dopplebock

The Brewer? Mendocino Brewing Company - - - - - - - When tasted? 26 June 2002
Place of Origin? Ukiah, California - - - - - - - How tasted? 12 oz bottle
Style of Beer? Ale - - - - - - - Where tasted? At Dopplebock's home


Links for this beer:

Mendocino's page for their Red Tail Ale
Mendocino Brewing Company's Home Page


For more information about the SBR, please contact Brewmeister G. All fermented contributions are cheerfully accepted.

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Revised -- 21 July 2002
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