Boulder Never Summer Ale

This is a 6.5% ABV winter seasonal release from the Boulder Beer Company of Boulder, Colorado. According to the bottle, “…our cold weather seasonal, is a robust Red Ale. Deep ruby red in color, assertively hopped and brewed with dark caramel malt…” 

The beer pours a medium dark chestnut brown, with dark orange, ruby and garnet. There is an inch of thick and creamy head, very light tan in color. The aroma is caramel malt, plums, cherry and strawberry. The taste is rich and follows the aromas, lots of caramel malt and fruit flavors, especially strawberry. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, with just a touch of pine. It is medium bodied with a smooth carbonation that is sneakily and subtly intense. Delicious!

My thoughts in 2011, they have upped the ABV and I think beefed up the beer all around, malt and hops: The third release in their Looking Glass Series.  This 5.94% ABV beer pours a medium dark brown and ruby, yet clear.  There is a quarter inch of light brown foam.  The aroma is caramel malt, stone fruits, a touch of fresh, tall grass.   The taste is rich, slightly sweet malt, with a fruity tartness.  A balancing hop bitterness on the finish.  Good fruity aftertaste.  This tastes like a really good American-style Oktoberfest beer.