Blogs / Food & Drink / Summer 2011 / Beer of the Week: Karl Strauss Red Trolley Off the Rails

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Beer of the Week: Karl Strauss Red Trolley Off the Rails

 

A super-charged version Karl Strauss' 22-year-old Red Trolley Ale (the reigning best Irish-style Red Ale in the world), Off The Rails is brewed with more hops and malt than the original. The latter comes through in the form of increased sweetness that registers as burnt caramel on the palate before dissipating into pruney fruitiness on the back end. Williamette hops hit the mid-palate in a way that’s not as dramatic as most imperial reds, but plenty respectable.

If you’re a lover of the original Red Trolley, stick with it. If you always hungered for more hops, step right up.

Beer type: Imperial Red Ale (8.5% ABV)

Available at: Assorted grocery stores and craft beer outlets and on tap at Karl Strauss brewery-restaurants while supplies last

Pair it with: A boldy-flavored pork or veal dish like chops or schnitzel or a couscous studded with nuts and dried fruit

Photo by Erin Jackson

About the Author: A native San Diegan, Brandon Hernández has been wading in a sea of local craft beer for 14 years. In addition to his work for San Diego Magazine, Hernández serves as the San Diego correspondent for Celebrator Beer News (the US' longest tenured craft beer publication), is a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast and The Beer Connoisseur and has been a consultant for Food Network. Keep up on his articles about ales, lagers, food, restaurants, chefs and the culinary arts on Twitter at @offdutyfoodie.