Taps Irish Red after sushi is a an odd choice but...

Ihora sushi in Studio City for dinner and now I'm at Laurel Tavern drinking up a local brewpub turned recent distributor Taps on...tap (I mean, it was too easy, how could I not?). So while Irish Red Ale is an odd choice after eating dynamite scallops, I'm eager to drink any and all red ale because this upcoming weekend, I want to create my own red ale recipe and then brew it. 

Taps Irish Red Ale has a very nutty smell with hints of chocolate. The taste is malrty with nut and a lighter floral note. This isn't what I'm looking to brew but it's a decent Irish red with a big malt flavor. I'm hoping to brew something on the hoppier side. THE ISLAND rating.