This Rudolph Will Light You Up: Rudolph's Imperial Red Ale

One of the best things about the holidays are the delicious high-alcohol winter seasonals that breweries start to roll out beginning in November. These boozy, heavily-spiced beers often divide our beer loving staff and the community at large: there are those who love the flavorful, wintery touch and those who would just as rather have another piney IPA in their clutches.

Enter Rudolph’s Imperial Red Ale—otherwise known as the great unifier—produced by Three Creeks Brewing Company and released in mid-November. Since the holiday brew is not overly sweet or spiced and retains a hoppy profile, the Rudy Imperial serves both camps equally well. And because the 80 IBU American Strong Ale weighs in at a potent 8.6-percent ABV, it also serves the drunk camp.

If you haven’t yet been able to get your greedy little paws on it, check out the Imperial Red Vertical Tasting Party at Three Creeks on December 17. From 5-8pm willing participants will be able to sample Rudolph Red varietals from 2008 through 2011. A light appetizer dish is included to prevent your jolly ass from stumbling out and face-planting on your red nose.

photo: Chris "Mongoose Dem" Wright