I would have never bought this beer on my own but I couldn’t pass up the gift. A wine drinking friend of mine won a variety 12 pack and wanted to get rid of a bunch so I accommodated his wishes gracefully. I wouldn’t buy this because I lean toward craft beers not the big boys. By the name I hoped I was going to get close to my hometown Summit Red but beyond the color there weren’t many similarities.

This beer pours a clear orangish-brown with a thin head that didn’t last very long. Carbonation was strong in the beginning but faded quickly. There was a smell of bready malt and caramel. Pleasant enough. Caramel is the advertised distinctive and it comes through both in aroma and taste. There seems to be more malt than hops. The taste is caramels, toast and a subtle metallic in the background. The mouthfeel is somewhat smooth but not creamy. Not watery but not much substance. Not a beer I’d buy but certainly would take as a gift.

ABV: 5.5%

Grade: B-