Overview for the American Amber Ale

The American Amber Ale is similar to the American Pale Ale and American IPA styles but has a more pronounced malt backbone (caramel malt, typically) and it has less bitterness than the similar American Red Ale. The ale is amber in color with moderate alcohol strength. The style typically has a medium body or a bit over with matching carbonation.

Style Expectations

An amber, hoppy, moderate-strength American craft beer with a caramel malty flavor. The balance can vary quite a bit, with some versions being fairly malty and others being aggressively hoppy. Hoppy and bitter versions should not have clashing flavors with the caramel malt profile.

Appearance

Low to moderate hop aroma with characteristics typical of American or New World hop varieties (citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon). A citrusy hop character is common, but not required. Moderately-low to moderately-high maltiness (usually with a moderate caramel character), which can either support, balance, or sometimes mask the hop presentation. Esters vary from moderate to none.

Aroma

Amber to coppery-brown in color. Moderately large off-white head with good retention. Generally quite clear, although dry-hopped versions may be slightly hazy.

Flavor

Moderate to high hop flavor with characteristics typical of American or New World hop varieties (citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon). A citrusy hop character is common, but not required. Malt flavors are moderate to strong, and usually show an initial malty sweetness followed by a moderate caramel flavor (and sometimes other character malts in lesser amounts). Malt and hop bitterness are usually balanced and mutually supportive, but can vary either way. Fruity esters can be moderate to none. Caramel sweetness and hop flavor/bitterness can linger somewhat into the medium to full finish.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-full body. Medium to high carbonation. Overall smooth finish without astringency. Stronger versions may have a slight alcohol warmth.

Reviews

Freedom Tower

American Amber Ale  •  The Tank Brewing Co.

Freedom Tower is an American Amber Ale by The Tank Brewing Co. that showcases floral and citrus hops with caramel and bready malt flavors. Read More

McSwagger’s Own

American Amber Ale  •  Crooked Can Brewing Company

McSwagger’s Own is an American Amber Ale by Crooked Can Brewing Company that blends malty biscuit and toasted bread with caramel and apricot; hopped with Cascade. Read More

Cervisia Mozzo

American Amber Ale  •  Cervisia

Cervisia Mozzo, an American-style Amber Ale by Cervisia has a malty backbone of toasted bread and caramel balanced with hops and orange peel. Read More

Open Amber

American Amber Ale  •  Birrificio Le Baladin

Open Amber, an American-style Amber Ale by Birrificio Le Baladin blends biscuit, caramel, fruit, spices; lightly balanced by piney hops. Read More

Bell’s Amber Ale

American Amber Ale  •  Bell’s Brewery, Inc.

Bell’s Amber Ale is an American Amber Ale by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. that delivers ample hop flavor with toasty bread and caramel malt. Read More

Censored

American Amber Ale  •  Lagunitas Brewing Company

Censored is an American Amber Ale by Lagunitas Brewing Company that features a clean palate of bright hops and bready malt. Read More

Blazing World

American Amber Ale  •  Modern Times Beer

Blazing World, an American Amber Ale by Modern Times Beer is a hoppy powerhouse, balanced with toffee and toasty bread malt. Read More

Keybilly Island Ale

American Amber Ale  •  Brew Hub

Keybilly Island Ale is an American Amber Ale by Brew Hub that balances tart lime juice and citrus hops with caramel and doughy malt. Read More

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