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Alaskan Brewing Amber

Alaska
United States
Amber by Alaskan Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Richly malty and long on the palate, with just enough hop backing to make this beautiful amber colored “alt” style beer notably well balanced. Notes of both caramel and a light fruitiness make this surprisingly sessionable beer a perfect pair for nearly any meal, though here in Alaska we tend to pair it with king or silver salmon, flavorful meats and hearty Italian dishes. Alaskan Amber is based on a recipe from a Gold Rush-era brewery in the Juneau area. It was voted “Best Beer in the Nation” in the 1988 Great American Beer Festival Consumer Poll, and won a silver medal at the 2012 World Beer Cup.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
40-45º
Hops: 
Blend of European and Pacific Northwest hop varieties
Malts: 
Premium two-row pale and specialty malts
Judges Review 
Randy Scorby's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Alaskan Amber from Alaskan Brewing is being evaluated as an Altbier (Category 7B) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Because this beer is called “Amber” it is often mistaken for an American Amber Ale instead of the Alt style beer that it is. The appearance is quite inviting, showcasing a medium copper color and brilliant clarity, with a thick stand of fine bubbles that linger.  The aroma hits you with a prominent and rich bready, toasty, nutty and light caramel maltiness that is quickly followed by a spicy and herbal hop nose. A hint of berry esters emerge as the beer warms to create some intrigue. 

The malt is equally as prominent in the flavor adding a light graininess and bread crusts to the characteristics found in the aroma. Low berry esters and herbal hop flavor emerge mid-palate along with a medium-high, but quite smooth, hop bitterness that lingers through a moderate residual sweetness that dries out nicely in the finish. The transition between the malt richness and hop bitterness flows well. Alaskan Amber is an extremely well brewed example of an Altbier, so don’t hesitate to give this one a try, particularly if you are trying to expand your palate with new or different styles.