Irish Red Ale

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Irish Red Ale, also known simply as Irish Ale or Red Ale, is a style of sweet, malty ale brewed by many Irish breweries. The red color comes from the use of small amounts of dark or roasted grains. Despite the name, this beer style may also be brewed as a lager.

History of Irish Red Ale

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Types of Irish Red Ale

The main variation in Irish Red Ale is in the alcoholic strength; domestic Irish versions tend to be lower in alcohol, approximately 3.5-4% ABV, while "export" versions can be up to 6%.

However, some examples, notably Murphy's Irish Red, can also be brewed as lagers. Lager versions should not have too much of a lager character but will necessarily be somewhat different from the ale-brewed versions.

Brewing Irish Red Ale

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Competition Styles

Both the BJCP and the GABF style guidelines recognize Irish Red Ale as a distinct style.

BJCP Style Guidelines

Irish Red Ale

9D. Irish Red Ale Vital Statistics
BJCP Style Guideline Definition (2004)
IBUs: 17-28 SRM: 9-18 OG: 1.044=-1.060 FG: 1.010-1.014 ABV: 4-6%
Aroma: Low to moderate malt aroma, generally caramel-like but occasionally toasty or toffee-like in nature. May have a light buttery character (although this is not required). Hop aroma is low to none (usually not present). Quite clean.
Appearance: Amber to deep reddish copper color (most examples have a deep reddish hue). Clear. Low off-white to tan colored head.
Flavor: Low to moderate malt aroma, generally caramel-like but occasionally toasty or toffee-like in nature. May have a light buttery character (although this is not required). Hop aroma is low to none (usually not present). Quite clean.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light to medium body, although examples containing low levels of diacetyl may have a slightly slick mouthfeel. Moderate carbonation. Smooth. Moderately attenuated (more so than Scottish ales). May have a slight alcohol warmth in stronger versions.
Overall Impression: Low to moderate malt aroma, generally caramel-like but occasionally toasty or toffee-like in nature. May have a light buttery character (although this is not required). Hop aroma is low to none (usually not present). Quite clean.
History: not specified
Comments: Sometimes brewed as a lager (if so, generally will not exhibit a diacetyl character). When served too cold, the roasted character and bitterness may seem more elevated.
Ingredients: May contain some adjuncts (corn, rice, or sugar), although excessive adjunct use will harm the character of the beer. Generally has a bit of roasted barley to provide reddish color and dry roasted finish. UK/Irish malts, hops, yeast.
Commercial Examples: Moling's Irish Red Ale, Smithwick's Irish Ale, Kilkenny Irish Beer, Beamish Red Ale, Caffrey's Irish Ale, Goose Island Kilgubbin Red Ale, Murphy's Irish Red (lager), Boulevard Irish Ale, Harpoon Hibernian Ale

GABF Style Listings

Irish Style Red Ale

51. Irish Style Red Ale
GABF Style Listing (2007)
Irish-style red ales range from light red-amber-copper to light brown in color. These ales have a medium hop bitterness and flavor. They often don’t have hop aroma. Irish-style red ales have low to medium candy-like caramel sweetness and a medium body. The style may have low levels of fruity-ester flavor and aroma. Diacetyl should be absent or at very low levels. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Slight yeast haze is acceptable for bottle-conditioned products.
Original Gravity (ºPlato): 1.040-1.048 (10-12 ºPlato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato): 1.010-1.014 (2.5-3.5 ºPlato)
Alcohol by Weight (Volume): 3.2-3.6% (4-4.5%)
Bitterness (IBU): 20-28
Color SRM (EBC): 11-18 (22-36 EBC)
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