A little concerned about FFF brewing a subtle Irish Red, but I was ultimately happier than I thought I might be.
Nice red color that produces a decent head but the lacing and retention are a little weaker than one would expect from the style and the initial pour.
Aroma is strong and yileds a fresher hop note than I was expecting – really quite floral and fresh. “Green” comes to mind. The initial waft soon subsides to yield a slightly more “normal” effect.
Tastes are pretty authentic for the style with a big blast of bitterness which recedes with the balancing malt. To me the finish of an Irish Red is by far the most important part of the beer. For an authentic version of the style I’m looking for a dry ending above all else and that’s what we get here – a good sign.
There’s a very organic feel to this beer with some apparently genuine, herbal, grassy and rustc malts and hosp used. I like it very much. Delighted to get a big brewery brewing a sensible beer that falls well within style.
Good stuff.