Bridge Brewing Co. – Barrel Aged Belgian Red IPA

Bridge Brewing Co. – Barrel Aged Belgian Red IPA Review

Talk about blending styles, Bridge Brewing has taken a little from every bucket when brewing in the Ironworkers Series, Barrel Aged Belgian Red IPA. This beer is truly an amalgamation of styles and techniques into one, big craft beer. From the bomber bottle this 7.7% alcohol brew pours a colour of rich reddish-brown and erupts with three-plus fingers of lacing head. Smelling this limited release beers it has an oak character that comes along side a Belgian strong like malt and yeast character. The hops are somewhat subdued and masked in the aroma due to the other intense aroma. Tasting the beer it has a lightness that is not expected from the name. The Belgian yeast tones give a somewhat fruity character that works with the tropical hops to mellow the intensity and add a light sweetness to the brew.  At the same time the oak brings out a rich, cherry character that has an aperitif-like  feeling to it. This beer may look like a master of none type ordeal but it seems more like a perfect storm of flavour. This is not a beer for everyone but somehow, three, rather obscure flavour ideals have come together into something that is quite unique and delicious simultaneously.

Alcohol – 7.7%
IBU – 59
Size – 650ml
bridgebrewing.com