I’ll occasionally take a break from my usual IPA’s and drink a lager or sour, but my absolute favorite beer is a red ale. On Valentine’s Day, Left Coast Brewing Co. canned their Red Tide (available for three months), an American Belgian-style Red Ale (7.1% ABV). The first impression is of caramel malt – Simcoe, Zythos and Amarillo hops balance the subtle sweetness and coriander lends a spicy finish. Tropical fruit notes on the back end add a nice citrus zest.
Red Tide is being poured at their San Clemente tasting room and is available in retail stores throughout Orange County. If you visit, here are a couple of other recommendations: At 5.8% ABV, Una Mas is an amber ale that pours dark copper. This is their take on a Mexican amber, that is light with big hearty flavors – pairs well with anything spicy. The Voodoo Stout (8% ABV), the first taste is tons of chocolate and coffee notes, then it finishes smooth and creamy. Cheers to Left Coast Brewing and “suds” Clemente!
Left Coast Brewing, 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, (949)276-2699; www.leftcoastbrewing.com
