As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the difference between a red ale and an Irish Red Ale lies in the ingredients used. Both styles are similar in appearance, with a reddish hue, and they can be brewed as either an ale or a lager. However, the choice of malts and hops sets them apart.
Let's start with red ales. These beers are known for their rich, caramel-like flavors and balanced hop character. They typically use a combination of roasted malts, such as caramel and chocolate malts, which give them their deep amber color and malt-forward taste. American red ales often incorporate American hops, which can provide a citrusy or piney hop aroma and flavor. These hops tend to have a more pronounced bitterness compared to their British counterparts.
On the other hand, Irish Red Ales have a distinct character that reflects their heritage. They are brewed using British malts, which lend a toasty and slightly sweet flavor profile. The use of roasted barley, a staple in Irish brewing, gives these beers a subtle dryness and a touch of roasted flavor. Irish Red Ales also tend to have a lower hop bitterness compared to American red ales. They often showcase earthy, herbal, or floral hop characteristics, which complement the malt backbone without overpowering it.
To give you a more personal perspective, let me share a brewing experience I had with these styles. I once brewed a red ale using a combination of caramel and chocolate malts, along with American hops. The resulting beer had a rich, malty sweetness balanced by a pronounced hop bitterness. It had a bold flavor profile with notes of caramel, toffee, and a citrusy hop aroma.
In contrast, when I brewed an Irish Red Ale, I focused on using British malts and traditional Irish ingredients. I chose a blend of roasted barley and specialty malts, which imparted a smooth, toasty character to the beer. I used British hops with earthy and floral qualities, resulting in a more mellow hop presence. The beer had a deep amber color, a subtle sweetness, and a dry finish, reminiscent of classic Irish Red Ales.
While both red ales and Irish Red Ales share similarities in appearance, they vary in terms of ingredients and flavor profiles. Red ales, particularly American versions, use American malts and hops, resulting in a more robust and hop-forward beer. Irish Red Ales, on the other hand, utilize British malts and hops, delivering a toasty and slightly sweet character with a more balanced hop profile.