Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #65: Imperial Red Ale

This is my first post in a series of reviews where I'll be trying the Sierra Nevada's 2012 Beer Camp beers.  This year there is an Imperial Red Ale, Imperial Pilsner, Floral IPA, and an Oatmeal Stout.  They are all available in a twelve pack at most good liquor stores.

The Imperial Red Ale clocks in at 8.1%.  It poured into my Dogfish Head snifter with about a finger and half width of head, which fell to half a finger width and stuck around for quite awhile. Lots of lacing left on the glass.  It was a dark, dark red beer which really looked great when looking at it in front of a light.  When I initially swirl the glass, the aroma is full of fruit and a bit of pine.  When the beer settled and I really got my nose in there, I picked up some caramel and toffee.  The taste follows the aroma quite nicely, and the hop bitterness sticks in my mouth after drinking.  Definitely a good beer, give it a try!

If you've had this, what did you think of it?  Feel free to use the comments below!