– a Pale Ale from Redhook Brewery

published May 14, ’15

Packaging

Redhook’s Audible Ale is an excellent example of packaging that sells beer. 

The colors are bold - the odd shade of denim blue and flat orange contrast with the mountain of light beige and flat red so the six-pack stands out on the shelf.  Its clear lettering tells you immediately that you are purchasing an ale – no doubt.  The six-pack also describes the expected flavor based on which four words -- refreshing, smooth, bold or dark -- each covered by a bottle silhouette.  This is what a beer enthusiast needs when looking for something new.  Great job, Redhook!

Their spot-on packaging is really what lured me in.  I was looking for something new.  No IPA's (not really a fan - see Rebel IPA); not in the mood for a stout; yes, a fresh new ale to try.  And Audible Ale called to me from the shelf.  I grabbed a six-pack and could not wait to get home to pour a bottle.

From the Brewer

Audible Ale is a product of Redhook brewery located just outside Seattle in Woodinville, WA.  A true craft brewery, they also have a location in New Hampshire giving them reach into the East Coast.

The Redhook site is very current with great graphics.  There are perpetual 3rd person references to Redhook, like he’s the guy writing this stuff.  The site also has plenty of pictures, although the galleries look like they are 3+ years old. But Redhook is very current on social media where you can find them on twitter, facebook and Instagram.  I found Redhook (in silhouette) working with a local weatherman - hysterical!  Redhook provides the modern, online beer drinking experience we’ve come to expect.

With 4.7% ABV, Audible Ale is noted as a Pale Ale Check it out at Redhook.com

Color

After comparing the two BeerColor.com scales to Audible Ale, the color is a 7 in Degrees Lovibond which makes it a Deep Gold beer.

Taste
Audible Ale starts with a slight skunky aroma, but very flat; very little flavor.  A bit lackluster, but not unexpected from an ale.

The middle is complex and it’s the best part of the beer.  It hits like a burst on your tongue.  There’s woodsy hoppyness that’s very sharp.  The varying flavors blend nicely.  Everything you'd expect from a great craft beer.

Then it ends sour-bitter.  And it’s not pleasant.  I like bitter and I like sour, but not this combination.  A beer’s ending should leave you wanting more.  I was left wanting to find a different beer.

At best, the flavor of Audible Ale was a major disappointment.  I was making faces and wondering if it was something else that was tasting was this bad, but no, it was the beer.  I tried opening a couple of other bottles wondering if I had a fluke, but they were all the same.  I shared it with a couple of other folks and got the same reaction.  Just a shame.  Fantastic website, solid packaging and marketing, but the beer is just off the mark.  Ugh...

You should try Audible Ale.  We each enjoy different things.  I just did not enjoy this beer.  And if you do try it, note that this is a bold brew best mixed with strong flavors like a hearty steak with seasoned veggies.

Final Facts
Name: Audible Ale

Packaging: Flat colors in high contrast – it stands out brilliantly

Type: Pale Ale

ABV: 4.7% -- a bit low

Color: 7 in degL which makes it a Deep Gold beer

Taste: starts skunky & flat; sharp woodsy/hoppy middle; ends bitter sour

Price: $8.49 six pack

12 oz bottle: $1.42

Final rating: 2 out of 5 Caps

Audible Ale has a low ABV and bad ending flavor.  This is not an experience I want from a beer.