Bandicoot Brewing TNT American Red

It's perhaps worth pointing out early on here that TNT is tagged an American Red rather than a red IPA before one dives in looking for an aromatic hop punch. It's also worth pointing out that it looks rather like a baby barleywine: a glistening and dense ruddy chestnut liquid with a persistent off white head.

Aromas of creamy toffee and bitter citrus peel suggest there's such a big beer lying in wait too, but it turns out to be rather lighter in weight, serving up burnt treacle, a nuttiness, hints of bitter chocolate and a drying bitterness. The malt character reminded me of a hearty English red ale like Old Hooky but combined with the more aggressive bitterness of an American amber.

James Smith

Published October 1, 2019 2019-10-01 00:00:00