Copper Ale - Otter Creek (Middlebury, VT)

I've met some of the folks from the Otter Creek / Wolaver's Organic brewery (at the DC Greenfest this past fall) and like them a great deal. I will certainly continue to patronize their beers, especially the Organic Brown Ale and Stout (both of which I hope to review soon). That said, I'm disappointed by the Copper Ale -- it just never distinguishes itself. Caught halfway between a standard red/amber ale and an IPA, it fulfills the mission of neither.

Minor Gripes: Too hoppy for a red, but not crisp enough for an IPA.

Characteristics: Light body, rich amber color, relatively bitter (for a red).

Bottom Line: Pick up a real red (e.g. Smithwicks, Leinie's) or a real IPA (e.g. Sierra Nevada) -- but don't mix the two in the same glass.

Rating: 4.5/10