Railbender Ale is a Scottish style ale with 6.8% ABV from Erie Brewing Co. located in Erie, PA. A brand new 20,000 square foot brewery, brew pub and John’s Wildwood Pizzeria will be opening in Harborcreek in 2017.
As expected this Scottish ale pours to a reddish, dark amber with a thin, white head that dissolves to a thin ring with an aroma of sweet malt and light caramel. These same notes play into initial sips which are sweet, with caramel and toffee standing out the most.
However, a considerable amount of carbonation serves to cut into some of the sweetness and even out its flavor. There is also some hoppy bitterness, but not nearly to the extent of an IPA (as it should be) and just balances out the flavor profile.
Finishing with more malty, biscuit-like qualities and some warmth this is a scotch ale to a tee. A perfect mid-fall to early winter beer, Railbender is sweet, warm and tasty and is an alternative to summer’s hoppy ales and winter’s stouts.
