McSwagger’s Own is an American Amber Ale brewed by Crooked Can Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip pint glass from a can.
Appearance
The ale pours a murky deep copper and is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense cream-colored foam that shows good retention. A smattering of residue coats the sides of the glass.
Aroma
The aroma mixes burnt toast and sweet caramel. As the beer warms, the brew imparts a scent almost entirely of stone fruit.
Flavor
The tasting begins with a flavor of buttered biscuit that sweetens in the middle with a dose of caramel. It’s followed by a balance of floral hops whose mild bitterness lingers briefly beyond the finish. A flash of apricot and toasted bread round out the palate.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth with a body that’s a shade over medium and moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly with a less-than-moderate astringency.
Overall
The appearance is adequate but the aroma isn’t particularly enticing at first. It does get better as the beer warms. Thankfully, however, the palate is this brew’s best feature. The hops and malt are balanced nicely; leaning malty as expected of the style. And there’s enough complexity to keep the session interesting. McSwagger’s Own is a solid Amber Ale.