Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale

What the brewery calls a “bastardized Scottish-style red ale that traces its origins to our homebrew roots,” this is certainly on the bolder and more flavorful side of the amber-ale spectrum. An almost mahogany-brown color in the glass, the nose is loaded with intense, slightly warm sensations of fresh caramel squares, roasted malt, prune, candied orange rind and burnt Demerara sugar. The palate continues in the same bold and intense vein, with a strong caramel core that's countered by medium carbonation, a needed hop-fueled bitter texture and lingering astringency to pick up the close. Lauren Buzzeo