Smog City California Love Review | Red Ale

Smog City California Love Review

This article is based on a past tasting experience and was updated in June 2025.

Here’s my review of Smog City California Love. A beer with an outstanding balance of white grape character, alcohol, and malt sweetness.

About This Craft Beer

Beer Characteristics

An Imperial Red Ale brewed with Pinot Noir grapes, orange peel, and oak.

California was admitted as the 31st state of the US on September 9, 1850.

This beer was conceived to celebrate that momentous occasion.

With northern California grapes and southern California oranges, plus a complex malt bill and fruity hops, it delivers a profoundly layered flavor.

The base flavor features caramelized sugar, dark chocolate, and roasted character.

Layered on top are brilliant citrus and grape flavors, pleasant bitterness, and oak character.

The finish is sharp and dry.

From the importer

When Did I Buy It?

February 2023

Where Did I Buy It?

I bought it at Antenna America Tokyo.

【ふるさと納税】 ビール クラフトビール 鶴居村 12本セット Brasserie Knot レギュラービール4種各2本 + 道東 限定 ビール 4本 craft beer ブラッスリーノット お中元 パーティー お歳暮 価格：30000円（税込、送料無料) (2023/1/21時点) 楽天で購入

I regularly update my recommended craft beer picks available on Rakuten. Check it out!

【2026年3月更新】今楽天で買えるおすすめクラフトビール

楽天で買えるクラフトビールのうち、気になるものをピックアップしました。定期更新していくので、ビールが買いたくなった時に覗いてみてください。

rihobeer.com

2022.10.22

Craft Beer Review

Appearance

Amber-brown. Deep. Not very transparent. Clear when held to the light.

Aroma

Aroma (Orthonasal)

Strong Citra-like melon aromas. Followed by Amarillo’s slightly cloying apricot. Sweet. Malt and hop aromas that would complement chocolate, cookies, and walnuts. A toasty aroma reminiscent of almonds. As the liquid approaches the nose, marmalade blended with alcohol.

Flavor (Retronasal)

Slightly tobacco-like, burnt alcohol impression. Followed by Citra-like melon. C-hop green apple. Very strong hop presence. Momentary burnt malt bitterness pierces the back of the nose, then dries away.

flavor

Mouthfeel

A natural, beer-like mouthfeel.

Body and Texture

Lighter-bodied for a dark Smog City beer? Lightly hits the tongue and passes through. Gentle. Soft touch with momentary intense bitterness. Orange peel-like citrus with a pleasant stimulation that almost reaches heat. Very delicious. Some burnt malt bitterness too, but within range. Rolling it on the tongue, at warmer temperatures it takes on a cacao chocolate-like texture.

The Swallow

Extremely dry. Like drinking water. Glides right into the mouth. Delicious. So easy to keep drinking. Best when the carbonation has dissipated. You can drink this beer as smoothly as water. Zero hop snag. The contrast is remarkable—strong hop aromatics yet nothing catching in the throat. Delicious. The heavy presence of strong alcohol is still there.

Aftertaste

A mellow, cacao chocolate-like toastiness spreads through the mouth. Dry yet with substantial lingering finish. Medium-rare steak would pair incredibly well. I’m dying to pair this beer with steak.

Dregs

A tree sap-like impression. Mellow. Like beer sediment. Not particularly tasty. Better to separate it. Very strong hops. Balance is off. More sticky than mellow.

Overall Impression

Incredibly delicious. The complexity of aromas, sweetness, and depth of finish are all there, yet the dry throat feel creates a fascinating contrast. I think this beer pairs wonderfully with meat dishes. I’d love to crack one open during yakiniku or a barbecue. Truly delicious. That was my review of Smog City California Love.

I wrote a guide to craft beer furusato nozei (hometown tax) returns. Check it out below!

クラフトビールのふるさと納税完全ガイド

ふるさと納税で手に入るクラフトビールをブルワリー別にまとめました。納税先を検討中の方は参考にしてください。

rihobeer.com

2024.07.05

I regularly update my recommended craft beer picks available on Rakuten. Check it out!

【2026年3月更新】今楽天で買えるおすすめクラフトビール

楽天で買えるクラフトビールのうち、気になるものをピックアップしました。定期更新していくので、ビールが買いたくなった時に覗いてみてください。

rihobeer.com

2022.10.22

🏆 Overall Rating

🛒 Where to Buy

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Smog City California Love Review FAQ

What does Smog City California Love taste like?

Smog City California Love is an Imperial Red Ale. See the full article for detailed tasting notes.

Where can I buy Smog City California Love?

It may be available at craft beer specialty shops or online stores. If hard to find, check out our recommended craft beer feature for other great options.

Are there other recommended craft beer brands?

We review many craft beers on this site. Complete Guide to Dank IPAs and DDH & TDH Beer Guide are also great references.

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