Rochester Mills Brewing - Rochester Red

Today's craft brew, from the Rochester Mills Brewing Co, is in a can?!?! Isn't that like a bottle of wine with a twist off cap. Before you pass judgment, read on...

Rochester Red pours a dark amber with about 2 fingers of creamy sand colored head. This brew is beautiful in appearance and makes my mouth water just looking at it. The froth is long lasting and leaves a mosaic of lacing on the glass as it recedes. The aroma is rich with malts. The favor is creamy malty bliss. Rochester Red is smooth and this brew has a nice clean refreshing quality about it as well. The finish has a mellow tangy kick that helps it end on a crisp note. Just a beautiful brew all around. Appearance, aroma, body, taste, and finish. I know there are some out there who may be turned off by “craft brew in a can”, don’t be. Those guys in Rochester are brewing some of the best beers in the state. Crisp, creamy, and put your feet up relaxing. 

Side Note: Rochester Mills also has a Irish Red, which has a similar appearance, so double check if you're thinking about picking up this fine brew.

New Castle Winter IPA

Pours a light brown with a thin short lived white head. Nutty aroma, with hints of toasted grains. The flavor has notes of caramel, malt, grain, and fruit. This brew has a thin watery body and fizzy carbonation. What seems to be missing is the citrus hoppy elements of a traditional IPA. Wait a minute, I thought this was an IPA. It says IPA on the label. The finish has a notes of toffee, and ends with sweet with a lingering biscuit flavor.

This "limited" release by New Castle was nothing special. The IPA advertising was the selling point for me, but clearly this brew doesn't live up to the style, actually it doesn't even come close to resembling an India Pale Ale. Aside from the biscuit finish, the flavors were very watered down. It's not terrible, but It close. I was defiantly expecting something more from this winter style brew. Its more along the lines of a nut brown ale, and even then, it's below standard.