Second up is Harpoon’s Irish Red, showing up close enough to St. Patties day. Sure whatever. I (Andy) wasn’t too excited for this one based on my previous experience with this brewery, but hell…put something into my hand I’ll drink it (i.e. GRADE 9). Let’s dive in.

Brewery Hometown: Boston

Appearance: Oh baby that is red. Surprisingly dark head. We are licking our lips.

Aroma: Interesting; a maple syrup sweet almost, with darker malty overtones. Possibly a walnut-like (Chris: “planters mix nuts?!”) followup. Chris: “subtle sweetness…nothing is really catching me right now”
Nothing else ever did.

Taste: Chris and I both had a ‘WOAH not expecting that moment’. Fiercely bitter/dry. Andy: “nearly offensive, that’s mouth puckering” Chris: “its almost salty” Andy: “Chris is definitely right…salty!!! My mouth feels like it just ate a bag of pretzels” Chris: “massive dry mouth” Out of line with what we thought it was going to be initially from the aroma. Andy: “alright this is rude…sorry…I can’t support this” Chris: “definitely gets only MORE bitter as it warms” Adam: “sour, bitter aftertaste that is killing me”

Alcohol: 5.4%

Drink one or all?: One with chips. Lots of chips.

Cost: We guess $8/sixer

Overall: Andy: 8/20 Rude when warmer, Chris: 10/20 Better very cold, Adam: 11/20 Can’t drink it without food, Brian: 12/20 Liked it, but its losing me.