Ska Pinstripe Red Ale

The Ska Brewing Company is from Durango, Colorado. This is their 5.2% ABV red ale. 

The beer pours a dark reddish amber in color. There is a relatively short head of very light tan foam. The aroma is malty, caramel, toffee, and dark fruits. The taste is strong caramel and toffee malts, followed immediately by a wave of bitter, astringent, grapefruit and grassy hops. The finish is moderately bitter, in a grapefruit rind way. The contrast of malt and hops here is refreshing. The beer drinks smooth with softly tingling carbonation.  

Back in 2011: This beer pours a reddish-copper in color with a small head.  The aroma is slightly fruity, malty, a bit of caramel.  The taste follows the aroma, and also adds a bit of unsweetened tea as the beer finishes somewhat bitter and dry.