Craft beer has taken the world by storm, with countless breweries popping up across the country. But one beer stands out as a true pioneer in this movement – Redhook ESB. Brewed continuously since 1987, Redhook ESB has made a lasting impression on the craft beer scene, inspiring a new wave of flavorful and innovative brews.
Redhook Ale Brewery, the parent company of Redhook ESB, recently made the decision to shut down its Woodinville brewery. However, this does not diminish the significance of Redhook ESB in the craft beer world. In fact, Craft Brew Alliance, the parent company, has a state-of-the-art facility in Portland, Oregon, where they continue to brew Redhook, along with their other popular brands such as Widmer and Kona.
What sets Redhook ESB apart is its full-bodied amber ale flavor, characterized by toasted malt notes and a pleasant finishing sweetness. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.8% and 28 International Bitterness Units (IBU), this beer strikes a perfect balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness.
Contrary to what the name suggests, Redhook ESB is not overly bitter. True to the British Extra Special Bitter (ESB) style, this beer showcases complexity and depth of flavor without overwhelming the palate with bitterness. It is this approachable and eminently drinkable style that has made Redhook ESB a benchmark brew in the amber ale category.
Redhook ESB's impact on the craft beer movement cannot be overstated. It paved the way for other breweries to experiment with different styles and flavors, pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. The success of Redhook ESB inspired countless brewers to take risks and create unique and innovative brews of their own.
While the Woodinville brewery may no longer be in operation, Redhook ESB continues to be brewed in the Portland facility, ensuring that beer enthusiasts can still enjoy this iconic brew. Its longevity and popularity speak volumes about its enduring appeal and the craftsmanship behind its creation.
Redhook ESB is a true pioneer in the craft beer movement. Brewed continuously since 1987, it has inspired a new wave of flavorful and innovative brews across the country. With its full-bodied amber ale flavor and balanced bitterness, Redhook ESB has established itself as a benchmark brew in the amber ale category. Although the Woodinville brewery has closed its doors, Redhook ESB continues to be brewed in Portland, ensuring that its legacy lives on. So raise a glass and toast to Redhook ESB – a beer that started it all.
What Kind Of Beer Is Red Hook?
Red Hook is a full-bodied amber ale that has been brewed since 1987. It is considered to be Redhook's signature brew and is known for its toasted malt flavor and pleasant finishing sweetness. This beer falls into the amber ale category and is highly regarded for its eminently drinkable style.
Key features of Red Hook Amber Ale:
– Full-bodied: Red Hook Amber Ale has a rich and robust body, which gives it a full and satisfying mouthfeel.
– Amber ale: This beer belongs to the amber ale category, which is characterized by its medium to dark amber color and balanced malt and hop flavors.
– Toasted malt flavor: Red Hook Amber Ale is known for its distinctive toasted malt flavor, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to the beer. The toasty notes can range from caramel to biscuit-like flavors.
– Pleasant finishing sweetness: One of the defining characteristics of Red Hook Amber Ale is its pleasant finishing sweetness. This sweetness helps to balance out the bitterness from the hops and adds to the overall drinkability of the beer.
– Benchmark brew: Red Hook Amber Ale has established itself as a benchmark brew in the amber ale category. This means that it sets the standard for what a great amber ale should be, and is often used as a reference point for comparison.
Red Hook is a well-crafted amber ale with a full-bodied and toasty malt flavor, balanced by a pleasant finishing sweetness. Its reputation as a benchmark brew in the amber ale category speaks to its quality and drinkability.
What Is The Alcohol Content Of Red Hook Beer?
The alcohol content of Redhook beer, specifically their ESB (Extra Special Bitter), is 5.8% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). This means that for every 100 milliliters (ml) of Redhook ESB, there are 5.8 ml of pure alcohol. It is important to note that the ABV represents the percentage of alcohol in the beer, and a higher ABV generally means a stronger and more alcoholic beer.
Redhook ESB has been brewed continuously since 1987 and is known for its adherence to the British ESB style. Despite the name “Extra Special Bitter,” the beer is not overly bitter. It has 28 IBU (International Bitterness Units), which is a measurement of the bitterness in beer. IBU represents the amount of hop bitterness present in the beer, with higher values indicating a more bitter taste.
Redhook ESB is a flavorful beer with a moderate alcohol content and a balanced level of bitterness. It has become a staple in the craft beer world since its introduction in 1987, and its consistent brewing has made it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Redhook ESB is an iconic beer that has played a significant role in the craft beer movement, particularly in Seattle where it originated. Its rich history and continued production since 1987 are a testament to its enduring popularity and quality.
Redhook ESB stands out with its distinctive toasted malt flavor and a pleasant hint of sweetness in its finish. Although its name suggests extra bitterness, it remains true to the British ESB style by offering a balanced and drinkable experience. This characteristic has made it a benchmark brew in the amber ale category, setting a standard for others to follow.
Craft Brew Alliance, the parent company of Redhook Ale Brewery, recently made the decision to shut down the Woodinville brewery, which had been brewing Redhook for many years. This move aligns with their consolidation efforts as they focus on their state-of-the-art facility in Portland, where they brew not only Redhook but also other popular brands like Widmer and Kona.
Despite the closure of the Woodinville brewery, fans of Redhook ESB can still enjoy this classic beer. Its availability in the market remains uninterrupted, thanks to the continued production at the Portland facility. This ensures that craft beer enthusiasts across the country can experience the rich flavors and high quality that Redhook ESB offers.
Redhook ESB has established itself as a beloved and influential beer in the craft beer scene. Its longevity, distinctive flavor profile, and benchmark status make it a must-try for beer aficionados looking to explore the world of amber ales. Whether enjoyed by longtime fans or newcomers to the brand, Redhook ESB continues to be a symbol of the craft beer movement and a testament to the artistry and passion behind brewing.
