Ol’ Red – Cease & Desist

Howdy fellow snobs,

I hope this post finds you well, perhaps with a cold beverage in hand. It would seem that we have been a bit remiss in our beer reviews as of late – and we have. It’s been a busy summer! That said, I thought it only prudent to try to get back into the swing of things.

Over the past few months I’ve purposely tried to steer away from my preferred beer styles (IPAs, Porters, Stouts) and have been trying things that I am a little more unfamiliar with. This particular beer came from Corks Wine & Spirits in Turkey Creek and I bought it about two months ago. For some reason I’ve been avoiding it. Perhaps the image of a gavel made me think about the long arm of the law or maybe the words “cease & desist” often served as a warning that I needed to stop drinking and go to bed. Regardless, now we meet.

First of all, I don’t have a ton of experience with scotch ales. I’ve had a few good ones – Robert the Bruce anyone? There have also been a few I haven’t cared for. What I appreciate about the style is that there is always a solid malt presence with a touch of sweetness – usually some caramel – and the sweetness usually opens up a bit more as the beer warms up.

This particular beer comes from Erie Brewing Co and it’s my first from these guys. This beer poured with a nice dark copper color, just enough head and some really nice grainy, malty notes. This beer at first didn’t impress me – I detected almost no sweetness but as it has warmed up, those caramel notes I was looking for came right through. True to the style, this thing also cranks in at 10.1% ABV, so it’s no tiny beer!

Now, if you’re wondering about the name, according to Erie Brewing Co’s website this beer was formally known as “Red Ryder BIG Beer.” This beer received two “cease and desist” orders as a result of the name. The new name pays homage to its predecessor.

Final Snobs: I’ve enjoyed this one. If you’re into Scotch Ales, give this one a shot.

Cheers!