Red Devil - Coronado Brewing Company

Style: Imperial Red Ale, American Strong Ale

Served in: Pint Glass

Size: 22 0z

ABV: 9.0%

Appearance - Dark amber in color, with a small, thick tan head.

Smell - Very malty, some alcohol smell with bread and a faint fruit.

Taste - Huge malts with bread, carmel, coffee, and some citrus fruits up front, and a hoppy bitter finish with a hint of alcohol.  There is intense, dark complexity here that I am enjoying, but might not suite all beer drinkers. 

Mouthfeel -Fairly heavy body, though not chewy.  Quite drinkable with moderately high carbonation and a long bitter finish.

Overall - If you are a malt lover, this beer is right up your ally. The heavy body, complex bready/carmel/malt notes, and smooth mouth feel allow for an enjoyable sipping experience (yes, sipping recommended at 9%).  While this would not be an every day beer for me- the malt became almost overpowering by the end of the bomber -I wouldn't mind having some around for colder months and malt cravings.  Worthy of an 88 for me.  

PS Other than the amber color and hop finish, I wouldn't really consider this a Red Ale.  

The Famous Taddy Porter - Samuel Smith

Style: English Porter

Served in: Pint Glass

Size: 550 ml

ABV: 5.0%

Appearance - Virtually black in color, with a hint of amber in the light.  A thick, foamy head of a light coffee color.

Smell - Smells of malty chocolate, and though there is definitely something else there, I can't quite pick it out..

Taste - Roasty malt and some dark fruit flavors (black cherry?) up front, followed by a slightly bitter, dry, coffee finish.  Surprisingly there is a bit of hoppiness mixed in with the malt.

Mouthfeel - Mildly carbonated, with a thin texture and medium-full body.  Dry on the finish.

Overall - Definitely enjoyed this beer, and it would make a great session beer at only 5.0% ABV.  The flavors are enjoyable and mesh well with the mouthfeel and body. That being said, there was not as much depth/complexity as I had expected or would have wanted.  Overall I would give this an 86- good but not fantastic, worth a try though!