Alaskan Imperial Red Ale (Pilot Series)

Style
Recently made popular by west coast American breweries, Imperial Red ales feature high hop bitterness, full-flavored caramel malt profiles and a higher original gravity. While balance is key, Imperial Red ales are more malt-forward than other hoppy American beer styles.

Flavor
Alaskan Imperial Red is 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.

History
Alaskan Brewing beers are all about balance, in both flavor and experience, so that the many elements in any given recipe come together to showcase each other in delicious beer harmony. Alaskan’s brewers sought to bring this skill to new heights with Alaskan Imperial Red - balancing big malt flavor, intense hop characters and the welcome thaw of an imperial profile.

Ingrediients
Alaskan Imperial Red Ale is made from glacier-fed water, a generous blend of Centennial, Citra, Meridian and Summit hops and premium two-row and specialty malts. Our water originates from the 1,500 square-mile Juneau Ice Field and from the more than 90 inches of rainfall Juneau receives each year.

Recommendations
The strong flavors of Alaskan Imperial Red deserve equally flavorful food pairings. Spicier foods with earthy or bready notes, such as fried mozzarella with spicy marinara sauce, red curry with potatoes and French onion soup, bring out both the hoppy and malty characters of the Imperial Red.

The Story behind the label.
From the depths of the Bering Sea to the menus of top chefs throughout the world, Alaskan king crab is the ultimate in sought-after delicacies. Alaska fishermen defy freezing temperatures and towering waves to bring king crab on board during the narrow window of harvest each year, some of whom pay the ultimate price. The prize they seek can weigh as much as 24 pounds and measure five feet from spiney tip to spiney tip. Similarly, Alaskan Imperial Red features an oversized flavor profile of malts and hops and a limited window of availability, only a few short months before the season is over. Catch it while you can.