Summit Brewing Company- Horizon Red Ale: Not quite the king of Hop Mountain…
Friday, May 14, 2010 at 7:51PM | by Wes 
Summit Brewing Company is a brew house that I was not very familiar with. With a name like Summit I assumed that they were based out of somewhere with some elevation, like Washington or Colorado. I was a little shocked to discover that they were based out the relatively flat and geographically close (I live in Chicago) land of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Than I discovered that Summit is named after an American Hop variety. I should have known where making a stupid assumption was going land me. Kind of like the time I convinced myself that my girlfriend would love it if I grew a moustache.
Horizon Red Ale pours a dark ruby with a thick and creamy eggshell colored head. This is a freaking beautiful beer that could just sit on the mantle next your Chuck Norris autographed, Walker Texas Ranger DVD set. The aroma is a very subtle malt sweetness paired with a strong and crisp twinge of hops. Horizon is an amazing beer in terms of its initial impression on your senses. But when it comes to beer only one sense truly matters, taste.
I was really surprised by this beer. It is very smooth for a brew rocking 70 IBUs. It has a smooth, almost amber ale body, but with a very understated hop afterburner. The hops are more of a compliment than a main feature. It’s very appetizing and would sit well with a meal. Horizon is not going to fry your taste buds and would be suitable for a nice, extended session. I don’t think anyone is going to freak out about this beer. Horizon Red Ale is just to “balanced” to differentiate itself from the pack. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it for an afternoon. It’s just not going on my “50 beers to drink before you die” list anytime soon.
ABV: 5.7%
Consumed: Globe Glass
Verdict: Buy a Twelve Pack
