Three Floyds – Brian Boru
I picked up this Brian Boru by Three Floyds a few weeks ago anticipating we would make it to Saint Patrick’s day, and luckily for me we did! Three Floyds describes this as an Old Irish Red Ale. The Three Floyds Brian Boru weighs in a 5.9% ABV. The side of the bottle informs us that Brian Boru was the last Ard Ri or High King of the entire Gaelic race. The whole description from the side of the bottle reads:
Ireland’s first and last Ard Ri (high king) of the whole Gaelic race, Brian Boru was born in Munster Ireland around 940. His 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 caramelly ale with toffee, citrus, and pineapple aroma. Brian Boru is brewed with several malts and Amarillo hops. Slainte!
(Note the location of FFF and the Ard Ri’s birthplace)
Appearance: Very nice carmel red color. I over poured this one a bit unfortunately so it had a massive head on it but died to to around a fingers worth of some nice thick and creamy foam.
Smell: You can pick up some nice citrus flavor among the carmels and the malts. Smells a little hoppy for what I would expect but I’m hoping that it is a little on the hoppy side. I dig it but I also dig the way red ales smell.
Taste: They weren’t kidding when they said pineapple. I can pick that out almost immediately although it’s not the bulk of what you’re going to taste in this but you will get the sweet and citrusy tones from that. There is also some great carmel flavour in here. The more I sip the more I realize the sweet flavor of tropical fruits staying with me long after I’ve drank it. Before tht you can expect the dark burnt carmel taste with some nice bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Great feel. Very balanced. Slightly bitter working that tongue into a lather ut also ery smooth and creamy. Love it!
Drinkability: If I could get Brian Boru in a six pack I would. This is very sessionable and would be nice to sip on as the night passes me by.
