Hope "Limited Edition 38" Red Ale

Irish tradition meets American hops. Rich malt. Bold character.
Limited Edition 38 is Hope Brewery's modern interpretation of the classic Irish Red Ale — a beer that honours centuries of brewing tradition while embracing the vibrant hop character of contemporary craft beer. Deep ruby in colour and packed with flavour, it combines rich malt complexity with expressive American hops to create a beer that is both familiar and surprisingly adventurous.

While traditional Irish red ales are often gentle and malt-led, Hope takes the style in a more ambitious direction. A carefully layered malt bill delivers notes of caramel, toast, and roasted grain, while generous additions of Citra and El Dorado hops bring bright tropical and citrus aromas. The result is a beer that balances warmth, depth, and drinkability with an unmistakably modern craft edge.

At 7% ABV, Limited Edition 38 carries a little more weight than the average red ale, yet remains remarkably balanced. The interplay between rich malt sweetness, firm bitterness, and juicy hop character creates a beer that evolves throughout the glass. For craft beer enthusiasts in Ireland, it offers a fascinating bridge between traditional Irish brewing heritage and the hop-forward styles that define modern craft brewing.

Why we love it:
This isn't a red ale that plays it safe. Hope has taken a beloved Irish style and given it genuine depth and personality through the use of modern American hops. The tropical fruit character lifts the beer beautifully, while the robust malt backbone keeps everything grounded. It's a beer that rewards slow drinking, revealing new layers of flavour as it warms slightly in the glass. Most importantly, it remains balanced despite its strength, showcasing the brewing precision that Hope is known for.