San Diego Beer Review: Coronado Brewing Mermaid's Red

Coronado Brewing
170 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

Coronado Brewing has been around for a few years now and I am starting to see more and more of their bottled beers carried locally. I haven't had the chance to visit the brewery yet, but based on what I have tasted recently, I definitely need to get down there soon.

This first review will be on their Mermaid's Red. This is actually the first beer they ever brewed, and is a great example of why they have been able to grow into the operation they are today.

Mermaid's Red Premium Ale (5.7% ABV)


Appearance:
Pours a cloudy amber out of the bottle. A 1.5cm head forms with with medium bubbles and leaves a light lacing.


Smell:
Roasty malts. Hint of choclate and burnt sugar/caramel. Slight hop aroma, more of a spice than citrus/resin.


Taste:
The roasted malts give a hint of coffee, chocolate and caramel. There is a little bit of spice that plays on the tongue and pops with the carbonation. The bitterness hits the back of the tongue and the top of the month.


Mouthfeel:
Medium body with a nice bit of warming from the spice, not an alcohol heat.


Overall:
This is a beautiful Red that really highlights the qualities of a "traditional" red beer. Roasted malts, spicy hops and a little bit of bitterness at the back of the mouth. The additional hints of chocolate and coffee are a pleasant bonus.