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 |
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When tasted? |
16 May 2002 |
| Place of Origin? |
Ukiah, California |
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How tasted? |
12 oz bottle |
| Style of Beer? |
Ale |
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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 |
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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.
Layout, design, & revisions © 2001, Brewmeister G
Revised -- 21 July 2002
URL:
www.angelfire.com/dc/beer
