Tinnie of the Week: Head into winter with Reckless Red IPA

BEER NAME?

Reckless Red IPA

WHERE’S IT FROM?

Reckless Brewing Co.

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

Summer is in the rearview mirror but the true depths of winter are still ahead of us.

So if you’re looking for something to bridge the gap between the fruity, resinous punch of a classic summer West Coast IPA and the warming, roasted malts of a winter stout or ale, then a good red ale might just hit that sweet spot.

Bathurst brewers Reckless are back with their Reckless Red IPA, a past AIBA Gold Medal-winning beer, and it’s easy to see why.

When you crack the tinnie, there’s plenty of hoppy character on the nose from the Mosaic and Citra hops.

The aroma has strong floral notes and a piney edge initially with a little sweetness underneath from the full, malty base.

It pours a light rusty red, rather than a deep, dark red, with a frothy off-white head that fades slowly.

Take a sip and the tug of war begins between the sweet malts and hop bitterness, with light caramel and toffee flavours complementing the stonefruit, citrus and pine notes.

It’s a well-balanced beer, with a punch of bitterness that’s never overpowering the warmth of the malt base, before a sweet finish that’s not too sticky.

It boasts a well-rounded flavour that never feels too heavy.

SHOULD I SHARE IT?

With an ABV of 6.5 per cent, it’s lighter than some red IPAs, but still better sharing with mates, perhaps around a campfire on a chilly autumn evening.

WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?

$9 each or $26 for a four-pack