Estrella Galicia

Red Vintage 1906 330mL

The 1906 Red Vintage is actually a blast from the past – a recipe that was almost lost to time. Long ago the brewery produced a beer named Especial Extra, though it was better known as "La Colorada" (The Red). The Hijos de Rivera brewmasters managed to recover the recipe and began brewing the beer again recently, and we're thankful they did! Red Vintage, which is brewed in the style of a German doppelbock, presents an attractive ruddy-gold/amber color in the glass, with a fine-bubbled head and crystal clarity. On the nose, we picked up considerable caramel character, along with touches of lightly toasted brown bread, hints of red apple skins, and a bit of brown sugar – all overlaid by a pleasantly earthy hop overtone. In the flavor, look for those caramel notes to be amplified and accompanied by moderate roasty tones as the malty core hits the palate front and center. But that's not all that's going on here; the Nugget hops, which is an American variety and, thus, a departure from a traditional doppelbock, offer some herbal spice notes, along with a touch of woodiness. Bitterness comes through at a moderate level, which is enough to offer a fine balancing counterpoint to the malty core, which is also balanced by a vinous quality from the otherwise well-hidden 8% ABV.