Name: Red Rambler Ale

In taste and packaging, the Red Rambler is a simple but striking ale from a Knoxville, Iowa, brewery. Although the folks over at Peace Tree are arguably in Cyclone territory, the phrase printed on the label, “In Heaven There Is No Beer,“ leads me to believe they’re really Hawkeyes at heart.

Look: The Red Rambler earns in namesake in the expected way, a deep red with rusty hues pours smoothly with a thin, white head. The carbonation of the body is delicate but surprisingly active on the tongue. 4/5

Taste: The first impression on the taste buds is primarily of mixed grain malts and hops, fading into a mouth-coating caramel with a unique aftertaste that is bitter but lingeringly fruity. The consistency is relative thin in the mouth for the lasting level of mouth coating it delivers. 4.5/5

The Red Rambler is an interestingly different beer that intrigues the senses without overwhelming them. I was a little resistant during the first few sips, but I gradually gave way to wholeheartedly enjoying the Red Rambler. Support your local breweries and your taste-buds’ welfare by trying a sip of this finely brewed ale. Overall: 12/15