Irish red ale is a balanced, easy-drinking pint, with a moderate malt character full of caramel, toffee and toasted notes. The deep reddish copper color comes from both crystal malt and a small dose of highly kilned grain, such as roasted barley. Despite a slightly sweet overall character, the highly kilned grain adds a touch of dryness to the finish and can add a very slight touch of roasted flavor too. Hop bitterness is evenly balanced, but the dark malt addition can make the beer seem a little bitter. Hop flavor and aroma are non-existent. This beer can be brewed as either an ale or lager, but either way should be clean.