290. Three Floyds Brian Boru Old Irish Red Ale

Since we’re drinking Three Floyds again, I do feel compelled to note that I got my Golden Ticket in the mail recently for Dark Lord Day. Delightful. And sorry to rub it in. This is our sixth beer from Three Floyds; previous victims include Gumballhead, Robert the Bruce, Dreadnaught, Black Sun Stout and Blackheart IPA. I do also need to note that the figure on the label is about a half step off of being one of the Elysian muscle-bound roid rage dudes (better detail).

Brian Boru pours an Irish Setter red with a thin ivory head and a flat caramel biscuit nose. The flavors begin with the corresponding counterpart to the nose; there is a dry caramel with biscuit and an almost cracker-like flavor that encompasses the front of the beer; the middle is marked by a drop in sweetness and some light roasted flavors followed by a dry ending that has a touch of bitterness. There is a bit of lingering flavor—either hop bitterness or a light roastiness—we’re not completely sure which it is. Brian Boru has a smooth, dry mouthfeel with a bit of creaminess; the carbonation is medium to low, which helps accentuate the dryness of the beer on the palate by not overshadowing or canceling out the malt flavors. Good but not terribly exciting—this is certainly one of the more normal offerings from “It’s Not Normal” Three Floyds.

From the Three Floyds website: “Ireland’s first and last Ard Ri (high king) of the whole Gaelic race, Brian Boru was born in Munster, Ireland around 940. Brian Boru’s mother was killed by Vikings when he was a child. He spent his life uniting the Irish tribes to become the first king of Ireland only to be killed at Clontarf on Good Friday 1014 putting down a rebellion by the king of the province of Leinster. Brian Boru Irish Brand Red Ale is a very rich ale with toffee, caramel, citrus and pineapple notes. Brian Boru is brewed with several malts and Amarillo hops. February release.”

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 40

(4/16/2010)