Flipside Red IPA is an American Red Ale brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip pint glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours a clear ruby red and is topped by a thick cap of cream-colored foam that shows great retention. An aggressive pour yields the best results. Patches of sticky lace clutch the side and a pock-marked, puffy collar rounds the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is bright with pine, hints of citrus, and caramel.
Flavor
The palate opens with toasty bread and a gentle hopping that’s floral and piney. Caramel sweetens the middle and the finish is punched by a squeeze of tangy citrus. Orange and grapefruit juice mix with a hint of earthy wood that leaves a lingering bite.
Mouthfeel
Its feel has a medium body and moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly and a touch astringent.
Overall
The Flipside Red IPA looks nice in the glass, has a pleasant aroma, and its balanced palate makes for a nice Red. Though it says IPA on the bottle, its bitterness is relatively mild. Perhaps its too balanced for some to the point of being dull. Either way, Flipside is a solid representation of the style.
Recommended Pairings
Sierra Nevada recommends the following food pairings with their Flipside Red IPA: linguine with smoked salmon and capers, aged goat cheese, and New York style vanilla cheesecake.