Rocking Rudolph

◎ Appearance

Deep copper-brown with a rich mahogany hue, characteristic of the 12 SRM crystal and pale malt base. The beer presents good clarity with a dense, cream-colored head that displays stable lacing down the glass. Carbonation appears moderate, appropriate for a full-bodied winter ale.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with herbal and earthy tones from Challenger and Target hops, layered beneath a prominent note of redcurrant and blackcurrant from Bramling Cross. Beneath the hop character lies a subtle malted-milk sweetness from the pale malt, with a soft toffee undertone contributed by the crystal malt, creating a balanced seasonal profile.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and full-bodied with the malted-milk character immediately present on the palate. The mid-palate develops toffee notes and a gentle spice from the First Gold and Goldings varieties, while the Bramling Cross continues to deliver berry undertones. The finish brings a crisp, clean bitterness that cuts through the malt sweetness without aggression, leaving the beer balanced and food-friendly.

◑ Finish

The aftertaste lingers briefly with lingering herbal bitterness and a whisper of dried fruit. The beer concludes clean and dry, with the 28 IBU providing structure without harshness.