BJCP 15A · Irish Beer
Irish Red Ale
A reddish, malty Irish ale with soft caramel and toffee and a dry finish with a hint of roast. Easy to drink, with few hops and moderate bitterness.
Irish Red Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 3.8 – 5.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 18 – 28 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 9 – 14 SRM18–28 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.036 – 1.046on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.010 – 1.014on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Irish Red Ale is like
An easy-drinking, malty ale with soft caramel and toffee and a dry finish that comes from a little roasted barley. The hops stay in the background.
Appearance
Amber to reddish copper, clear. Off-white to tan head with moderate retention.
Aroma
Malt with caramel, toffee or toasted bread and sometimes a faint roast. Light earthy hops, if any.
Flavor
Moderate caramel and toffee with a dry, slightly roasty finish that balances it. Medium-low to medium bitterness. There may be a light buttery note.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body and moderate carbonation. No warmth.
Where Irish Red Ale comes from
Ireland has a long ale tradition, but Irish Red Ale as we know it became popular in the 20th century with brands like Smithwick's. There are stronger export versions and some American beers that use the same name.
Ingredients
Pale ale malt with some crystal and a small proportion of roasted barley for the reddish color and dry finish. Mild English or Irish hops and a clean or slightly fruity ale yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Irish Red Ale at home
Mash at 65-67 °C (149-153 °F) and ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F). A few percent of roasted barley is enough for the reddish color; use more and it'll taste like a stout. Carbonate to about 2.2 volumes.
Food pairing
Goes well with Irish stew, roast chicken or burgers.
Glassware: nonic pint glass, the classic pub glass, made for long drinks.
Classic examples
- Smithwick's Irish Ale
- Murphy's Irish Red
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Irish Red Ale?
Between 3.8% and 5.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Irish Red Ale?
It has 18 to 28 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Irish Red Ale?
Amber to copper: 9 to 14 SRM (18 to 28 EBC).
What food pairs well with Irish Red Ale?
Goes well with Irish stew, roast chicken or burgers.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Scottish Export, American Amber Ale and Best Bitter.
If you like Irish Red Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official Irish Red Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.