Full Sail Amber Ale

A classic example of the style, Full Sail Amber ale is arguably the American Amber Ale's style archetype, garnering countless awards since it first came to market more than 20 years ago. Full Sail's flagship pours a deep, burnished copper with flashes of chestnut highlights. Aromas of freshly baked bread, light caramel, rosemary and lemon balm leap from the glass. While Pete and Tom both liked the rich caramel and English toffee notes, Lee was especially impressed with the exceptionally clean, cinnamon-spice-tinged aroma. Malt may dominate the nose, but spicy, floral and ocassionally piney hop aromas abound as well. Flavor leans more toward toastiness than actual caramel, with teases of toffee and light cocoa. Rick praised the complex mineral, spicy bitterness and its give-and-take with the rich toast, caramel and toffee-like malt flavors. Tom's note that "hop bitterness make a strong statement in the finish" resonated with the other judges, who all complimented the masterful integration of malt and hop, especially in the pleasantly dry finish. Lee summed it up perfectly, calling the beer a "robust, warming, full-bodied ale that gives the palate a bear hug of flavors." Once again, Jamie Emmerson and Full Sail deliver a truly singular drinking experience, offering up what is the quintessential American Amber Ale.