Beer review – Horizon Red Ale
Horizon Red Ale from St. Paul, Minn’s, Summit Brewing Co. is a satisfying hop-forward ale that doesn’t forget that hoppy ales need malt for balance.
Horizon Red Ale pours a ruddy brown with a tall fluffy tan head that leaves lots of lacing on the glass. Its aroma is slightly sweet malt dominated by nicely done grapefruit and orange citrus aromas.
The ale’s initial flavor is a jolt of citrus hoppiness (it’s 65-70 IBU) blended with a well balanced and slightly sweet biscuity malt flavor.
Hops and malt are well balanced at mid tongue, with the hops turning from citrus and slightly floral to pine flavored.
At the back of the throat, both hop and malt flavors take a turn. The hops move from piney to slightly resinous and the malt turns roasty with some coffee notes. These flavors were unexpected – more so the malt turning roasty – but were very pleasant.
The medium length finish on this ale is very dry and focuses on piney hop flavors and light roasty malt.
I consider Horizon Red Ale to be medium bodied and medium flavored. I recommend it as a very worthy hop-forward ale.
Horizon is 5.7% alcohol by volume and was purchased at the Southern Hills Mall HyVee in Sioux City.
-Tim Hynds
Tags: ale, beer, beer review, horizon red ale, hyvee, summit brewing company