Redpoint Ale--Something From Avery That Is Not A Big, Bold Brew (and, that's ok.)

Redpoint Ale
American Amber Ale
ABV: 5.1%
Avery Brewing Co.
Boulder, Colorado

http://www.averybrewing.com/

Some people thing Avery's brewers are like mad beer scientists. They picture them huddled all night in a mountain top laboratory. While lightning flashes outside, these white coated beer geniuses spend their whole lives creating monster brews.

Maybe that is why some people thump Redpoint Ale. Maybe they can not get past the fact that this great brew from Avery does not share the boldness of its monster beer brothers.

Big mistake.

Redpoint Ale looks great with its deep, reddish color. Avery calls it an amber ale, but you will notice that this brew's color is darker than many of the other ambers out there. It's taste was all malt at first, but the Avery gang had a surprise in store. As this brew warmed a bit, I started tasting it's citrusy hops, too. It was a great blend of both worlds.

I am a big fan of Avery. They brew some amazingly complex brews. Redpoint Ale shows another side of this Boulder brewery. It is not as bold as many of its sisters and brothers, but it is a favorite of mine.

In fact, when somebody asks "what's a good beer to start exploring craft beer with?" I suggest two...Fat Tire, of course and Redpoint Ale from Avery.

On Tap This Week Around the Rocky Mountain West:

Today, September 1:
Salt Lake Brewing Co celebrates its 20th anniversary at its Squatters Pubs in Salt Lake City and Park City, UT. with a new brew, Hops Rising, a double IPA that weighs in at a whopping 9% ABV and a 20th anniversary special reserve Oktoberfest brew in a commemorative bottle. http://www.squatters.com/

Catch Kris Hansen live at Trinity Brewing in Colorado Springs, CO, starting at 7pm. http://www.trinitybrew.com/

Wednesday, September 2:
It's local band night at Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO with Steamboat Zephyr & Dave Gerard. 8pm. http://www.oskarblues.com/

Thursday, September 3:

Catch another Great Garden Escape Concert at the Idaho Botanical Gardens, Boise ID. The McCleary Band brings their unique country folk with a splash of rock and blues. Highlands Hollow Brewhouse brings the food and beer. 6pm-9pm http://www.highlandshollow.com/

Heidi and The Rhythm Rollers bring their bluesabilly to Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO. 8pm. http://www.oskarblues.com/

Catch Chris Daniels and The Kings tonight at the Boulder Beer Tent at Rhythm of the Rails in Nywot, CO. 6pm. On the patio at Boulder Beer, it's Train Back Home. 5pm. http://www.boulderbeer.com/

Johnny Shoes plays the TableRock Brewpub and Grill in Boise, ID 6pm-9pm. http://www.tablerockbrewpub.com/

Friday, September 4:

It's another Firkin Friday at Dry Dock Brewing in Aurora, CO. This Friday, they are rolling out an Engligh Toffee ESB! Don't wait to late. Firkin Friday brews almost always disappear before closing time. http://www.drydockbrewing.com/

It's equal parts folk, country, blues and bluegrass. The Kort McCumber Band performs at Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO. Show Starts at 9. $5 cover. http://www.oskarblues.com/

You might think of Joni Mitchell and the Counting Crows, but Jill Cohn has a sound all her own. Catch her free concert tonight on the Patio at Carver Brewing in Durango, CO. 8:30pm. http://www.carverbrewing.com/

Travis Ward, the "Original Idaho Fly Fishing Folk Singer” and his band Hillfolk Noir plays at Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello, ID, starting at 8:30pm. http://www.portneufvalleybrewing.com/