Hello everyone.  Thanks for checking in on another craft beer review.  For today’s drinking pleasure I’m going to be sipping on the Aorta Ale brewed by the Short’s Brewing Company located in Elk Rapids, Michigan.

This will only be the second brew that I’ve ever tried from Short’s, so I have yet to fully appreciate what they can do yet.

From the website, shortsbrewing.com, I found this bit of information regarding the Aorta Ale.

We are re-releasing Aorta Ale, one of our Imperial Series beers, for the first time since its original release in 2007. Aorta Ale is a double red ale that suggests an intensity of flavor simply by its brilliant deep red appearance. Though Aorta Ale contains only traditional brewing ingredients, subtle aromas of candy, brown sugar, and toasted malt are present. Sweet flavors reminiscent of raisins or figs are noticeable upfront, but give way to a roasted, cocoa like bitterness that becomes magnified by high alpha hops. In contrast to the initial sweetness, it’s a heightened bitterness that dominates the finish of this full bodied beauty. ABV 8.6%.

Ok, let’s drink it.

This brew comes in a 12 oz. bottle and it has an ABV of 8.6%.

The Aorta Ale poured a cloudy, deep amber to deep ruby red color with a few burnt orange highlights around the edges.  It had a very creamy, smooth and soft head that was off white/light tan and sized nicely.  The retention time was outstanding.  It hung around forever.  The lacing looked darn good too!!!  It really clung to the sides of the glass.

The nose smelled like candy with hints of sweet caramel malt.  It was rather hoppy as well as I continually got whiffs of pine and citrus.  Deeper in the bouquet I began to uncover light tones of rye bread.  Very nice and well balanced and I liked it.

The taste let loose with more of that sweet caramel malt.  I’ll tell ya, this brew had a much stronger hop profile and bitterness than any “Red” that I’ve ever tried.  Very piny and citrusy.  The spice, of which I’m guessing is from the rye bread, really gave this brew a nice kick at the back end.  Like the aroma, very well balanced, harmonized and enjoyable.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Dry, chewy and smooth with an excellent amount of carbonation.  Not too much nor too little.  Just about right.  Only the slightest touch of warmth was felt from the alcohol, but it became well integrated so as not to become distracting.  A lot of flavor was left behind on the palate for me to ponder between sips too.

The Short’s Brew Aorta Ale is really a nice beer.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It’s possibly the best “Red” that I’ve ever had.  I’m not normally a huge fan of the style anyway, but I loved the extra dose of hops that it had.  It really helped balanced that sturdy dose of sweetness.  Even at 8.6% ABV it was relatively easy to drink and I believe it could be had at anytime of the year.  I would have no problem keeping an additional bottle or two in my fridge at all times.  I’d also recommend that you guys give it a try if it’s available in your area.  I think you may like it.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.05 out of 5
Grade:  A-