Green Lakes Organic Ale

A malt-driven example of what has become a uniquely American beer style, loaded with gobs of creamy, caramel malt. Typical of the style, this beer pours a deeply saturated copper and is brilliantly clear. Topped by a creamy, light-tan head, Green Lakes Organic amber throws massive caramel malt aromas complemented by hints of grapefruit and pumpkin-pie spice. Pete was pleased by the dark, lush, ripe fig and currant aromas, while Tom admired the fresh cookie dough malt character and traces of spicy black pepper. A finely balanced beer with substantial bitterness keeping the sweet, juicy caramel malt in check. Finishes surprisingly dry given the intensely malty flavor. Tim enjoyed the deft balance between bright lemon-zest hop flavors and peanut brittle-like malt, yet Rick thought the beer could use a touch more bittering hops. The judges were split on this one, with some praising the huge maltiness and others looking for more hops all around to cut through the lingering sweetness. Overall, they thought this was a solid example of an American amber and offered unanimous praise for Deschutes’s efforts toward sustainable, organic brewing. A well-crafted brew with loads of character, this is one of those rare “anytime, anywhere” beers that needs no excuse to pop one open.