Raspberry Wheat by Alaskan Brewing

!944672_10101174685113580_800659945_nRating: 5/5

Raspberry Wheat by Alaskan Brewing is a 6.5%ABV Fruit beer brewed with raspberries and raspberries added.

Description: 
With nearly one pound of real fruit per gallon, Alaskan Raspberry Wheat has the inviting aroma of fresh-picked raspberries and an enticing red hue. The flavor of the raspberries lends a tartness that balances the full-bodied wheat profile and malt sweetness. Bigger than most traditional fruit beers, Alaskan Raspberry Wheat adds an extra kick to its dry and effervescent finish
___

Been hearing good things about this beer. I was able to luckily find a bottle. Many times when I go to the store I have seen but I haven’t picked it up. When I opened the bottle I was pleasantly surprised.

The fragrances that came from this beer are of thick raspberry preserves and strawberry Jelly. They weren’t kidding at all. This beer smells so good. The other aromas I picked up were of citrus, biscuit bread, honey, caramel and brown sugar. The flavors were of citrus, raspberries, coriander, orange peel, lemon, framboise, brown sugar, biscuit bread, tart cranberry, sweet raspberry and strawberry preserves on toast, toffee and caramel notes. This beer was very nice despite it not being too complex. The bitterness definitely comes from the citrus side but this beer has enough raspberry flavor to make it very exquisite. It is not to the level of Dogfish Fort, but its still has enough natural raspberries to make it fruity and delicious. I like sweet beers and this one leaves with a nice sweet raspberry aftertaste. The bitterness is only an initial part of the taste. Definitely an awesome beer.

Alaskan Imperial Red by Alaskan Brewing

75563_10101057093577960_1342637641_n 482436_10101057094585940_992914372_nRating: 4.8/5

Alaskan Imperial Red is Alaskan Brewing Limited Edition Pilot Series Imperial Red Ale at 8.5% ABV.

Description:
A full-bodied deep mahogany ale with ruby red highlights. Citrus notes of chamomile, grapefruit and Meyer lemon brighten the aroma. A zesty array of hop flavors from mango and bitter orange to green mint and hibiscus meld with the nutty, roasted caramel and subtle dried fruit flavors of the complex malt profile to create a surprisingly fresh, yet warming example of the style.
___

Aromas are of sweet caramel, rich grassy, piney and grapefruit hops, biscuit bread, peach, mango, pineapple, cherry juice and almond. The taste is truly where this beer outshines the aroma. The flavors are of Toffee, caramel, grapefruit, mango, citrus, cherries, honey biscuit bread, grassy and piney hops, chocolate, biscuit, tropical flavors like pineapple, peaches and melon as well as some nutty pecan and almond notes near the end. The aftertaste continues on with like a barleywine or cherry rye bread with only some minor bitterness that does not linger for too long and stays constantly sweet . The great thing about this beer is that it plays very strong in terms of the sweet and bitter flavors but combining both to make a very nice balance. So much balance and great flavor that each side compliments each other rather than detract. You get strong sweet and your tropical hoppy bitterness as well. Amber ales are usually not my style but ambers like these sure as hell make me rethink the style as more to them than what others may see them as. Amber lovers will love this one.