Paddy's Irish Red - Trafalgar Ales and Meads
"We only sell what we can't drink ourselves" claims the packaging, and I must say, I can identify with that spirit. Incidentally, this is the beer I finished the night with at Cloak and Dagger last St Paddy's. So we have history (most of which I remember).
Poured from a 473ml Tallboy, with a best before date stamped on it, and a cute looking Irish (Red) Setter depicted in the branding. The beer is dark auburn to reddish, with a decent head that settles into a light frothy top that lingers and laces the glass nicely. Aroma is nicely malty, with caramel and grain very present, but a backing of some citrusy hops. Taste is actually hoppier then I expected or remembered. Quite a bit dryer then I was expecting, though the malty taste is still there, it's like it traded priority with the hops. Very smooth in the mouth, with a mellow carbonation and a silky body. Finish is crisp and dry, with a bit of the hop resin lingering. This is a great session ale (as I can attest). This St Pat's, if stout isn't your thing, and you want to drink local, this could well be your pint.
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http://www.alesandmeads.com/
Keep up the great work, Trafalgar.