Updated on October 7, 2015
The Admiral has arrived.
It’s been a long time coming, but I finally got my hands on some Admiral Ackbar.
When it comes to beer, I’m a big fan of all things red–amber ales, red ales, red IPAs. Love ’em all. They’re so flavoursome. I get a little excited whenever I hear about a new or popular one. Which is kind of stupid, considering how many there are, because I (regrettably) can’t try them all. But I’d heard so much about Admiral Ackbar that by the time I got some, I was buzzing with suspense.
When I poured it out, I got a great whiff of red jam. (Strawberry jam, raspberry jam–can anyone really tell the difference? All I know is that red jam is delicious.) It’s a deep red, which became even more spectacular in front of a light.
But the impressions you get from seeing and smelling this delightful drop aren’t enough to prepare you for drinking it.
If you smell the red berry goodness and expect it to be sickly sweet… It’s a trap! Smooth, almost savoury flavour it has.
If you taste its smooth flavour and expect it to be low in alcohol… It’s a trap! It comes in at an impressive 8.5%. The force is strong in this one.
If you expect to get to the end of your drink and be content with just having one of them… It’s a trap! The red ale is easily finished, but it will soon be back, and in greater numbers.
In short: The Admiral did not disappoint.
P.S. I now have two Dancing Fox Red IPAs from Red Hill Brewery in my fridge. And I am excited.
P.P.S. I know a million people have done Star Wars jokes and the “It’s a trap!” thing while discussing this beer. But how many of them provided you with the video? You’re welcome.