Hibernian Irish Style Red Ale -- Harpoon (Boston, MA)

A few too many adjectives in the name, an uneven flavor profile, a bit of a disappointment from Boston's "other" brewery.  I realize not everyone was an ancient European history (or Latin) scholar, but there's really no need for both "Hibernian" and "Irish" in the same title... especially when the packaging is kind enough to explain that the former is the Latin term for the latter. And isn't the "Ancient Order of Hibernians" still alive and well and gearing up for St. Patrick's Day?

Characteristics: Standard reddish amber color, body varies during drinking but generally medium, initial sweet malty dominance gives way to an odd citrus-tangy finish.

Gripes: Inconsistent from bottle to bottle within a single six pack. Unless we're talking about cask-conditioned or bottle-conditioned beers, I expect the same basic attributes out of each beer. That way, I can control certain variables (e.g. chilled glass vs. room temp glass vs.  straight from bottle, effect of leaving beer to "breathe" for ten or fifteen minutes).   Also, citrus and "irish red ale" really aren't complimentary concepts.

Bottom Line: This beer just doesn't match up, whether to Harpoon's crisp IPA (sharing the same color and enjoyed at many a Legal Seafoods pitstop) or to other seasonal reds (like the one redeeming grace of my time in Kansas City, Boulevard Irish Ale). I'd drink it with a meal, but it's not ready to stand on its own.

Rating: 5.5 / 10