Weekly Beer Focus - Amber/Red Ales (and Lagers) - Jan 28-Feb 4

[Scott_Butler]

Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster - while the name is quite scary , it is certainly the most balanced of the imperial reds I’ve tried. A really big beers with chewy red malts, and just a hint of hops. Super yum!

[Jason_Hagen]

@Jason Hagen

@Josh Beck

Got the jump start with a Red Tail with lunch. Maybe it was just coming out of a cold wet cave to have lunch in the sun with a beer, but that really hit the spot and was one of the more enjoyable beers I’ve had lately. Not as hoppy as I recall, certainly seems less overtly so than Red Seal which I’ve had most recently. Nicely malty, decent richness, crisp, clean, tasty, I always remember liking this beer and should drink more of it!

That was my go to in the early 90s. Been years since I have had it but will use this theme to re-visit.

J

Got around to trying re-visiting this after many years. A nice drinkable beer. As it was with me, a decent introduction to craft beer.

J

[Brett_Glasscock]

Coop Native Amber

I haven’t participated in the amber week but realized I had this so I tried it. Not bad but had a bready/yeasty finish that I wasn’t too fond of.

[Scott_Butler]

@Brett Glasscock

Coop Native Amber

I haven’t participated in the amber week but realized I had this so I tried it. Not bad but had a bready/yeasty finish that I wasn’t too fond of.

Sounds like it could have Belgian inspirations? I just had this, and the Belgian yeast was very present - but I am a big fan of that.

This is a very nice beer - and while it is an amber, it probably fits better in Belgian discussion threads. Quite different from the others.

[Brett_Glasscock]

@Scott Butler

Sounds like it could have Belgian inspirations? I just had this, and the Belgian yeast was very present - but I am a big fan of that.

This is a very nice beer - and while it is an amber, it probably fits better in Belgian discussion threads. Quite different from the others.

Hmm, I really like Belgian yeast flavors so not sure what it was. This was a bit different to me, kind of earthy. Not sure if I am describing it correctly.

[Joe_Hauck]

Scott,

I’ve seen that VOS around for a long time, but never really knew where to place it. Belgian style ale doesn’t say too much about what it really is. I might run out and pick one up this morning. What do you think?

[Scott_Butler]

@Joe Hauck

Scott,

I’ve seen that VOS around for a long time, but never really knew where to place it. Belgian style ale doesn’t say too much about what it really is. I might run out and pick one up this morning. What do you think?

Joe, I love the Rare Vos, along with most of the Ommegang offerings. It is a belgian amber, mostly yeast (spice/and a hint of banana) and malt - not sweet, but not drying hops that I can notice. Bottle conditioned. Drinkability is insanely high, IMO.

[Joe_Hauck]

@Scott Butler

@Joe Hauck

Scott,

I’ve seen that VOS around for a long time, but never really knew where to place it. Belgian style ale doesn’t say too much about what it really is. I might run out and pick one up this morning. What do you think?

Joe, I love the Rare Vos, along with most of the Ommegang offerings. It is a belgian amber, mostly yeast (spice/and a hint of banana) and malt - not sweet, but not drying hops that I can notice. Bottle conditioned. Drinkability is insanely high, IMO.

I just went out and picked one up, so it shall see it’s demise during the game today. Thanks it sounds like something I’ll like.

[Scott_Butler]

@Joe Hauck

@Scott Butler

@Joe Hauck

Scott,

I’ve seen that VOS around for a long time, but never really knew where to place it. Belgian style ale doesn’t say too much about what it really is. I might run out and pick one up this morning. What do you think?

Joe, I love the Rare Vos, along with most of the Ommegang offerings. It is a belgian amber, mostly yeast (spice/and a hint of banana) and malt - not sweet, but not drying hops that I can notice. Bottle conditioned. Drinkability is insanely high, IMO.

I just went out and picked one up, so it shall see it’s demise during the game today. Thanks it sounds like something I’ll like.

That was fast! Let me know what you think.

[Cris_Whetstone]

A couple late entries -

Marin Brewing Co. Albion Amber Ale - This is mostly all dark grain, pumpernickel bread expression on the nose with a roasted grain/barley tasting palate. The finish is clean though I think a bit more hops would have given this some complexity it lacks and pick up the interest. Plain but refreshing. Maybe like a very wheat driven German beer.

Eel River Certified Organic Amber Ale - Great complex nose of roasted malt, maple syrup and figs, The palate is somewhat rich and barely like. Well balance but no where near the nose. This one could also use more hops to pick it up though the finish lingers. Solid.