Orlando Brewing Partners Red Ale

Orlando Brewing Partners Red Ale- 5.8% ABV
Orlando, Florida
Whole Foods, 10.99
7.5/10 droppa

As one of the most visited cities in the United States it is shameful that we have only one brewery to offer in defense of our craft brewing honour. And what can be said of Orlando brewery? First and foremost they would have you know that they are the only certified organic brewery in Florida. Organic products of all variety have been a big in hit in American and Global markets thanks to growing support for the green movement. For beer it means that the ingredients used, namely water, barley, hops and yeast, have been grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, etc. Worth note, as of 2007, breweries can label their beer organic even if the hops used in its formulation are not.
Orlando Brewery has been open since 2007 and produces a variety of styles year round with an additional couple of seasonal brews. Today I sampled their red ale.
The brew pours a red tinged amber orange in color with an inviting white bubbly head which lingers briefly before vanishing. Most apparent in the smell is the malt which makes up the majority of the flavour profile in a red ale. Also present are hints of bitter hops and even a bit of caramel. The flavour is pleasant, and the malts carry some complexity, including the caramel noticed in the aroma. A decent bite of hops help to balance out the sweeter flavours. It is light on the palate and complimented by a mellow carbonation. The brew is definately very drinkable and enjoyable overall.
This Orlando Brewing beer will earn itself a B. If you have the opportunity to visit Orlando Brewery try this beer of tap, at its freshest it may be even better. Orlando Brewery also offers free tours which can help acclimate you with the brewing process and give you a better understanding of what goes in to producing a quality beer. I would recommend giving any of their seasonal brews a try as well. These beers often allow brewers a little more creativity and can offer some very unique styles which you may never see again.

Cheers, Matt

Links:

http://www.orlandobrewing.com/

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/4614/40410