A dark red-amber pour is topped by an off-white head that was low but had great retention with small bubbles that laced the glass. The aroma tilts toward complex caramel malt with a touch of resin and grapefruit. The flavor has even more malt character with a well-boiled caramelized sugar complexity. The hop flavor is resiny and very subdued. Bitterness is relatively high but needed to prevent the semidry finish from being sweet. The aftertaste has a lot of hop resin and caramel character that lingers. Like a red IPA in the finish, this is a great example of an American Amber at t he front.
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
California Amber
Description
A rich, copper ale with a case full of gold medals. The Calico Amber Ale takes its inspiration from traditional English ESBs. Four types of malts give it a bold complexity, and our proprietary yeast strain lends it a fruity, madeira-like richness. However, it’s the American hops that give this ale a distinct bite and floral aroma that have earned it just about every major beer medal.
Judges Review
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20