Lagunitas Brewing Co.'s Imperial Red Ale

     
     It pours a slightly-hazy dark orange color with some lighter yellow shining through on the edges.  Very little head and not even a skinning has stuck around.  Doesn't appear to be overly-carbonated.  Tons of citrus hops on the aroma; some orange shining through more than anything.  In the background hides some very sweet, candy-like caramel malt.  7.8% ABV and I'm really not picking up much alcohol; those citrus hops are really overpowering. 
     Starts off with a very tingly, light caramel flavor and slowly evolves into a very rich sweetness.  This is all quickly overpowered by some intense hop flavor.  Getting some wood/pine, spice, and definitely that citrus.  Not too bitter.  Can taste the alcohol just a little bit.  Candy-like sweetness lingers for a while in the mouth.
     This is actually one of my favorite Lagunitas beers.  This is what I like to think of when I hear "American" red ale.  Just an overabundance of hops that I can't get enough of and just the right balance of rich, caramel malt. 

Deschutes Brewery's Green Lakes Organic (Amber) Ale

    
     The Green Lakes pours an orangish red with some very light yellowish orange shining through the edges.  About half a finger of slightly off-white head developed and is holding due to a very strong carbonation.  Getting some very rich caramel and a little sweetness in the aroma.  Little toasty. Some nice berry-like esters. Finishes off with some grassy hops and maybe just a splash of citrus.
     Starts out with a mix of very sharp, candy-like sweetness and toast.  This is quickly overtaken by some very pungent esters, which almost provide a sour quality.  Finishes with a decent amount of bitterness and some herbal hop flavors.  Some woody hops linger in the mouth for a bit.  Light body carried by lively carbonation.
     A fine brew; you can't really go wrong with Deschutes.  I'm normally turned off by such ester-heavy ambers, but this one seems to work for me. Nothing overly fantastic; just an all-around great beer.