Redhook Ale Brewery
(short notes)

Seattle, Washington & Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Ballard Bitter

American IPA

* * *

This is the reformulated version of Ballard Bitter, first appearing in mid-1995. Altogether a more interesting and assertive beer than the previous version (which did not claim to be an IPA) and it is a credible IPA at that -- even if it comes in on the low end. Make sure to see the full review of Ballard Bitter.

Blue Line Barleywine

Barleywine

* * 1/2

This was a limited release in Seattle during early 1995. Deep amber, moderately-high maltiness in the nose, which becomes more assertive as the beer warms. The flavor has a moderate maltiness with a rather dry finish. A big beer to be certain, but lacking a certain chutzpah I expect out of a barleywine. Typical of the Red Hook Blueline efforts.

Blue Line IPA

American IPA

* *

Another limited release, this time in mid-1994. Red Hook's first attempt at an IPA to my knowledge, and a fairly uninspired attempt at that. Subdued for a pale ale, let alone IPA. See the full review.

Red Hook Pilsner

Pilsner

* 1/2

Sampled at the 1995 Herbfarm Microbrewery Festival in June of that year. Well situated on the blander side of pilsner, perhaps a Danish or blander German Pils? Clear notes of fusel alcohols, which is rather odd coming from a Red Hook beer. Apparently just an experiment, since as of May 1998 this beer has not seen any sort of limited or local distribution.