Burning Brothers Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale

Burning Brothers Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale

(Dedicated) Gluten Free Irish Red Ale

I’ve been wanting to get my hands on this gluten free Irish Red Ale for some time. Ever since I saw it existed actually. The Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale is brewed by Burning Brothers Brewing in Minnesota. They are a dedicated gluten free brewery and definitely worth a stop if you ever happen to be in close proximity.

This gluten free red ale is brewed on a base of sorghum, buckwheat, and millet. Auntie M’s has a 5.2% ABV, an IBU of 27 (if their website is accurate) and is packaged in 16 ounce cans. The description reveals their use of Warrior hops, which are known for their versatility in bettering and aroma.

There aren’t many gluten free red ales out there, at least not many that are packaged, so tasting an Irish Red Ale feels like a treat. Check out the beer pour video below to see how this baby pours!

The Taste Test

Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale

The Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale pours with a deep auburn color that looks more reddish-brown when not lit. It has a nice head when poured liberally, and that head sticks around, especially if you give it a single top off. The bubbles create a snow drift around the edge of the glass which gives it a creamy look.

I don’t get much hop presentation in the aroma. Just a really light malt quality that reminds me of oatmeal cookies. The carbonation looks strong and the beer is quite audible because of it. My first sip shocked me a bit! (In the best way.) The aroma had me fooled and I wasn’t quite expecting the flavor explosion that would hit my palate upon my first taste.

This gluten free Irish Red Ale is delicious! The initial flavor is roast-heavy, a warm quality that is countered by some serious zippiness coming from the texture of the carbonation. By mid-palate you’re enjoying the buckwheat and millet flavors, which then fade to leave a gentle fruitiness to the finish. There’s no bitterness to speak of, which allows the soft fruit qualities to shine at the end.

It’s medium-bodied, moderately sweet, no sorghum twang, minimal in the IBU, and deliciously complex–yet clean in the flavor profile. The aroma didn’t reveal much for me, but the flavor has me throwing around thoughts like “This is my new favorite Burning Brothers beer.” I just really like it.

The warm roasty characteristics of the Auntie M’s Irish Red Ale make you feel cozy when you’re drinking it. But not in a dark-beer kind of way. It tastes like there’s some spice in the hop profile that encourages this. Despite these qualities, the carbonation gives it enough kick to still present quite brightly, which I’m really enjoying.

This is a really nice flagship offering my Burning Brothers Brewing. Of course I would love the Irish Red Ale the best…how predictable. Ha! I could be a mascot for this beer. No, but in all honesty, I’m not much of a red ale drinker, but if I lived near Burning Brothers I think that would change…

Cheers!

P.S. Like what I do for the gluten free beer community? Consider buying me a beer for my efforts! ;)