The Details:
Style: Autumn Ale
ABV: 5.9%
Malts: Pale, C60, C70/80, C Vienne, Smoke
Hops: Willamette, Saaz, Chinook
Color SRM: 19.0
Bitterness Units: 32.0 IBU
Original Gravity: 1.0595

I have to admit I was not particularly excited to review this beer. I haven't been terribly impressed with Red Hook for some time now but I soldiered on and was rewarded for my efforts.

The Late Harvest pours a beautiful copper color with excellent clarity and a delicate off white head that dissipates quickly leaving just a trace of lacing on the glass.

The aroma is almost pure malt with the Vienna and Smoked malts coming through strongly. You also pick up an earthiness like wet hay and a tinge of floral sweetness on the nose from the Saaz and Chinook hops.

When the Late Harvest hits your palette you get more of that big malty sweetness but the body of the beer remains light. The rich caramel of the malt comes through up front but is balanced by hints of grapefruit, mild spiciness and grassy notes. It's more effervescent than many beers of this style which makes it suitable for warmer days in September before the leaves have started to turn. That effervescence results in a clean crisp finish and a desire to have another.

The final verdict on Red Hook's Late Harvest Autumn Ale would be 7 out of 10. A great showing from one of the our earliest craft brewers. Get your hands on this seasonal while they last.

Look for it at Brewforia.com early next week.

Prost!