Aviator Red (Flying Bison Brewery - Buffalo, NY)

Ah, to be local.

We don’t often pimp the Buffalo-area brews around these parts (mostly because there aren’t very many and those that exist are quite inferior to other cities’ microbrews) but today we have a special treat for you.

Flying Bison Aviator Red.

It is ubiquitous in the Western New York and Southern Ontario area, and easily identifiable by the winged buffalo that graces the head of the tap. If you find it in a bar near you (which, admittedly, would be quite a surprise) you should seek it out and try it - if not for the taste, than at least to look at it.

My, this is a pretty beer. If you think Killian’s is red, just you wait until your pupils catch a glimmer of this bad boy. This brew makes a fire truck look positively Banana Republican.

The taste is pretty much what you would expect from a microbrew that hasn’t made its way around the country. The flavor is viciously hoppy, with extra malt poured on for good measure. This is a beer that doesn’t so much introduce itself to your mouth; it more or less kicks down the door and changes the channel. There is sweet, citrus, malt, hops and spice all layered together in a swirling mixture.

That’s not to say it is bad, but that is not to say it is good. This is probably what a red beer should taste like, so if you dig the ruby color and forget what you know about beer - this is probably as pure of a drinking experience as you will find.

Your mouth will not deceive your eyes.

Rating: 3.5 pints