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Starr Hill Amber Ale

Virginia
United States
Amber Ale by Starr Hill Brewery
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Brewed in the tradition of the great English ales, its rich honey color hints at its smooth, caramel flavoring. With a medium body and slightly sweet finish, this is an extremely drinkable brew that is characterized by rich malt taste and low bitterness. Medaled at the 2001 and 2005 Great American Beer Festivals and award winner at the 2002 World Beer Cup.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.1%
Served at: 
50º-55º
Hops: 
Perle
Malts: 
Two-Row, Wheat, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate
Judges Review 
Rick Franckhauser's picture
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Starr Hill Amber Ale was judged as an Irish Red Ale, BJCP Style Category 15A. Light caramel notes with some floral and earthy hops as well as some toasty malt notes come through with a hint of toffee in the aroma. The fermentation character is clea, and the beer pours a copper color with bright clarity. A thin, wispy, light tan foam ring is present but expected for the style. The caramel and toffee malts are offset by some grainy notes and just enough bitterness come up at the end to keep it from presenting itself as too sweet. The earthy and floral hops reappear at the end but the toffee lingers into the aftertaste. There may be some roasted malts present, aiding in the drying effect, but I don’t taste them and I kind of wish I could – just a little. Clean fermentation and nothing off. Very approachable Irish Red that leans toward an American interpretation in its higher hop presence and lack of underlying roasted malt. Nevertheless, this is a solid example of the style and very quaffable, nicely balanced and overall very well made.