Red Mosquito Belgian Inspired Golden Ale

A hefty 8.2% alcohol carried Red Mosquito Belgian Inspired Golden Ale straight to my head. Brewed in Ottawa by Tooth and Nail Brewing and sold in 500mL bottles, Red Mosquito is a hazy golden brew. It has a thin and short-lived head, through which emerges a mild but intriguing aroma of yeast and fall fruit. The flavour is much more indicative of the elevated percentage than was the aroma, with pungent and boozy apple at the front end and an abbreviated, dry finish.

Given strength and hue, I anticipated an attempt at an Ontarian tripel, but the beer really was more of a strong ass golden ale—no where near the yeasty potency needed to riff on a tripel. However, as a strong ass golden ale, I thought Red Mosquito was pretty well executed. For a beer at >8%, I’d have liked it to be more flavourful, and certainly a bit more carbonated, but I found it to be a quirky and engaging bottle, and one that wasn’t too sweet. And the label bears mentioning: I think Tooth and Nail has some of Ontario’s best art, and this one, with newspaper, easy-chair and predatory bug, is a classic.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.