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California Amber

California
United States
California Amber Ballast Point Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
89
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
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.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
IBUs: 
35
Served at: 
45° F
Judges Review 
Phil Farrell's picture
Judges Rating:
89
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

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.