Living in Indiana, I get chances to try some more of the local (regional) stuff than most of our site visitors. You may or may not see this beer, but I wanted to provide you with a review so that you can try it if you do. Imperial red ales are not an inordinately common style of beer, but the one I’ve personally seen often is Insanely Bad Elf, which I enjoyed a lot. That was probably the best version that I’ve had of an imperial red. Enough about that beer, let’s look into Upland. (If you are in the area of Bloomington, Indiana, you can eat at the brewery, too.)

Upland’s Imperial Red was more orange-brown than red, but one cannot be too picky about this issue. There was a very nice, off-white, tall, foamy head on the beer, which sat for some time.

There was certainly alcohol aroma on the nose. It was far more hop-perfume aroma-driven than other imperial reds that I’ve had (the others being more malt-driven). However, there were still plenty of sweet malts on the nose. I also noted a powdery, yeasty aroma on the nose. Caramel notes were also in abundance.

Upon the first sip, I realized that this brew had more hop bitterness and flavors than other imperial reds that I’ve tried. I’d characterize the hops as citrusy in quality. As the nose indicated, alcohol warmth was present in the mouth. The grain roast and taste of the beer was somewhere in the middle range of flavor. Perhaps the touches of caramel were the most distinctive characteristic in the malt taste profile. Ard Ri had a pretty nice, thicker mouth-feel and body, which ended in a distinctly bitter fashion. It is worth trying this beer if you get a chance.  If Upland continues to make beers like this their stature will grow.

Mike’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction: ★★★¾☆ 

Among other Imperial Reds: ★★★¾☆