Great River Brewery- Roller Dam Red Ale: I’m Picky About My Reds! Ameri"CAN" Craft Beer Review Month - Day 9
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 5:58PM | by Jason 
I’m pretty stoked to have this brew for Ameri“CAN” Craft Beer Review Month. I picked this and Great River’s 483 Pale Ale up a few months ago on my way back from Nebraska while stopped in Iowa City at Dirty John’s. My biggest regret about 483 was that I only grabbed a can as part of a mixed six pack. I have a really bad feeling that I am going to regret not grabbing more than one Roller Dam Red Ale if it’s as good as its Pale Ale counterpart. Not only is it a red, it’s an Irish Red which bumps it up another level for me…I love Irish Red Ales. I’m just curious where the name originates. Regardless, if it is as good, it looks like I’ll be making a 2 and a half hour trip west in the very near future. Let’s find out.
Great River Brewery classifies this brew as an Irish Red Ale and their website briefly describes Roller Dam Red Ale as, “Delicious, malty ale with a hint of caramel and a peppery hop finish.” The can additionally provide some description, “Great River Brewery’s Roller Dam Red Ale is named for Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 15 which is the largest roller dam in the world and just south of our brew house. Our red is brewed with English pale and two crystal malts, sterling hops and American ale yeast. This dam ale has a ruby red color and rich caramel flavor.”
Roller Dam Red Ale pours a medium copper color with a 1” tan head. The aroma is a combination of slight fruit, sweet & bready malts, caramel malts with faint grains in the background.
One thing is for sure with Roller Dam, there is no question that this is an Irish Red. It is very sweet and caramel malt forward with a little bit lower carbonation and a slight fruit flavor at the finish. In one word, I’d describe Roller Dam Red Ale as “Standard.” I have to be honest and say that I am very picky when it comes to my Irish Reds and ever since having my first Brian Boru, the bar has been raised higher than I could have ever imagined. In comparison, Roller Dam Red Ale is average, that’s not to say that it’s not good, it’s just not great. Now that being said, I’m sure that there are a ton of you that like traditional Irish Reds and Roller Dam with fall right into place for you…I just happen to like my Irish Reds with a little more kick.
ABV: 5.3%
Consumed: Nonic Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy A Six Pack
