Beer of the Week: Diamond Knot Red IPA
Published 1:30 am Sunday, October 9, 2016
The beer: Red IPA
Diamond Knot, Mukilteo
Stats: 6.1 percent ABV, 40 IBU
Available: On tap at all Diamond Knot locations.
My thoughts: In hopes of adding unique beers to its already prodigious lineup, Diamond Knot brewers have been experimenting with new and different malts, hops and yeast over the past year.
One of those malts is Best Red X. Invented to brew red-tinted beers, Best Red X is a full-bodied malt from one of the most respected malt producers in Germany.
Diamond Knot brewers set their sights on using the malt to brew a hoppy red ale. After brewing a number of pilot batches before dialing in the perfect version, they’re now unveiling the finished product one year later.
The beer is not a hop bomb. Rather the tempered hop flavor allows for the Best Red X malts to shine. It’s more of a pale ale than IPA, with the sweet and malty flavor slightly topping the bitterness from the Simcoe and Summit hops.
I love coppery ales and DK’s Red IPA is right in that sweet spot: not too heavy, nor too hoppy. Though there is enough hop character to make you definitely know you’re not drinking an amber, despite the red hue.
From the brewery: A gentle malt character sets the stage for fruity undertones and Simcoe hops. Very well-balanced and highly drinkable.
More new releases:
Through the Woods, Middleton Brewing: A malty and complex porter made with an emollient pumpkin pie taste and aroma. Available on tap at the brewery.
Rising Bines, Skookum Brewery: Mosaic fresh hopped IPA. Available on tap at the brewery.
— Aaron Swaney, Special to The Herald
