Introduction

Fresh on the craft beer scene in Calgary, Red Bison has been brewing for nearly a year, pouring pints from their taproom in the North East quadrant of the city. Steve Carlton began with a 40 litre home brew kit on his balcony and transformed it into their current 1,200 litre brewery and tap room at break-neck speed. Red Bison serves up a seven beer slate alongside a small menu of sandwiches and charcuterie in a sparse industrial setting. Since opening their doors they’ve been receiving killer reviews and they’re looking to 2019 for new brews to expand the lineup.

The Alta Mira takes the porter to a smooth and well-balanced frontier. A mingling of complex flavours produce one of the best porters to cross our lips. Beautifully roasted malt combined with subtle lip smacking hops – a dark body hides many delicious secrets. Serves well at 6°C and stand to hang out in the beer fridge for six to eight months.

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How it looks

Pours out as black as space and with minimum carbonation. A head of toasted marshmallow white rises up and then recedes to a thin layer protecting the rich scent.

How it smells

The first foot forward is roasted, fresh-bread malt with a hint of caramel. Creamed coffee comes to mind, with cocoa tones and licorice root. A grass and summer leaf scented hop plays underneath with musty earth.

How it tastes

The first notes have the acidic, earthy character of a cold-brew espresso that develops into a rich, smooth coffee flavour. Biscuits dipped in toffee, dark chocolate and cream play together with the malt to create an almost sweet sensation and then it gets leavened by a low amplitude grassy hop flavour that brings about a sharp finish. Comes together like the perfect cup of coffee to generate a host of evolving flavours in the mouth that don’t linger too long, making way for the next sip.

Recommended food pairing

Get a fresh roll and layer smoked turkey. Fresh romaine lettuce, tomato, provolone cheese, with an easy spread of mayo and spicy mustard. Then drop the hammer on that hoagie with a cup of blazing hot cream of mushroom soup.