Chicagoist's Beer Of The Week: Tighthead Brewing's Scarlet Fire

By Jason Baldacci in Food on Oct 18, 2013 8:40PM

We usually try to drink beers that are seasonally appropriate, but since the weather has been a little up and down this week we had to seek out something that was a little more versatile.

Scarlet Fire is described as an American Red Ale by the brewers at Tighthead Brewing Company out in Mundelein, IL. Staying true to their description, the beer pours a beautiful almost brick red hue in the glass. We picked up prevalent hop notes of fresh herbs and lemon rind on the nose immediately. On the palate, the complex hop profile really comes to life in an almost tea-like fashion that gives a healthy balance of earthy, herbal and citrus flavors. While this beer is definitely hop forward, there is enough malt to give it a backbone. Although we don't perceive a lot of malty sweetness we are pretty sure a little bit is hiding behind all of that hop bitterness. We also picked up a hint of candied ginger on the finish that became more apparent as the beer warmed up, but was very pleasant either way. At 5.6% alcohol content, Scarlet Fire is full-flavored yet sessionable and perfectly appropriate to drink during any season.

Red Ales can be a little difficult to describe since it's a pretty broad style. There is some influence from the Red Ales of Ireland, but those are usually more roasty and malt forward and sometimes even brewed as lagers. Most American Red Ales are quite hoppy although they don't necessarily have to be. Technically they fall into the same realm as Amber Ales, but Red Ales tend to drink a bit more dry and bitter while Amber Ales tend to come with a little more richness. American Red Ales are usually more popular on the West Coast, so we're especially happy to find a good one being brewed right here in our own backyard.

Scarlet Fire is only available on draft so check beermenus.com to see who is pouring it near you this weekend.