This one is an example of an American Amber Ale or Red Ale. As stated previously, this style usually heavier on the malt, contains hops and very often has a fruity character to it, with spices sometimes present. It has been said that the American Amber Ale is a kind of catch all category for ales that are amber in color all the way to read. It is usually very balanced malt brew with fruit characteristics to it.
This one is brought to us by the Ska Brewing Co out of Durango, Colorado. With an idea born in 1995, Bill Grahm and Dave Thibodeau, Ska brewing sought to brew the best beer they had ever tasted, whether in Colorado or anywhere. As they tell it, Bill and Dave weren’t even of age to drink when they began this. At a time when the corporate world was trying to squash smaller craft breweries, Bill and Dave were determined to save the world as they put it.
Poured nice and slow into a pint glass, with a nice summer shade of golden yellow to it, and mild carbonation. The carbonation still produced a pretty good half finger head, while still leaving a thin but long lasting lacing on the glass. Hold it up and let the sun shine through my friends!
The aroma produced by this brew hearkens of malt, mild fruit and spice. A second whiff gets you a little scent of hops and faint caramel. A descent nose, but not spectacular.
Upon first sipping this one, I get the sweet malt immediately. It is a nice taste, but almost a little too sweet. It is a little too dry and I find myself smacking my lips just to get some moister going. This takes away somewhat from the nice hop undertones this brew has. A second sip definitely gets me some of the fruitiness I smelled earlier.
Mouthfeel is a little on the flat side,. Not much crispness.
Overall, A descent stock brew, but not one I am anxious to grab again. It did compliment well the cheese fries with ranch dressing I had for lunch and with an ABV of just over 5%, it doesn’t knock your socks off but allows you to enjoy.
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