Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale
What, me rate a decent beer for a change? No weirdness? No valkyries on the label, no petrochemicals in the brew? I admit the hometown Karl Strauss brews are a bit highbrow for my series of reviews — to date my only thoughts on Karl Strauss beer is that the name sounds good shouted loudly in a comical over-the-top German accent. “KAAARRRLLL STRAAAAAUUUUUSSS!” Come on, admit it — put a bit of Schwarzenegger accent on it, and it’s comedy gold.
Many years before I destroyed my hippocampus with a year straight of malt liquors, I had an affinity for the reds. There’s always one or two in any store allowed to sell beer, they have plenty of flavor but aren’t too challenging (so you can either chug ‘em at a party by the pitcher-full or sip them delicately with smoked whitefish, or whatever they pair well with), and most importantly, aren’t malt liquors. I picked up a six-pack on a whim after realizing I had exhausted all possible ridiculous beers at my usual beerstablishment. (“bud-n-clamato, check. All malt liquors, check. Mad dog 20/20? No, not today…”) And I’m glad I did — this is a tasty beer. That felt odd to write, but I suppose it must be done once or twice a year…