Twenty years ago, Vancouver’s Steamworks Brewing opened in a Gastown building with a steam heat system. The brand’s name came easily, and two years ago, its Burnaby Heights location started bottling beer for folks who want to drink it outside of the brewpub. Brewed with the power of steam, the company claims its beers have a fresh and flavorful result, thanks to the unconventional manner of brewing.
The Imperial Red Ale recently scooped the Best in Show and Gold for “Strong” brews at Vancouver International Craft Beer Awards, and for good reason. The 80-IBU brew maintains the caramel-y, malty flavor of some of the best red ales, but with more bitterness and Northwest hop character, courtesy of Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe hops. A grapefruit-y finish with a bit of a Szechuan peppercorn-numbing effect comes through at cold temperatures.
As it warms, the beer opens up quite a bit, just as you will considering its 8.5 percent ABV. Look for toffee and earthy flavors to come in alongside the citrus notes, with consistent fruitiness carrying it from fridge-chilled refresher to room temperature sipper.
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