Laughing Skull

A West Coast emblem, the American Amber style is known for generous measures of crystal malt and citrus hop character. This beer's clean caramel and toffee aromas certainly fit the bill. With some rousing as the beer warms, an earthy, herbal hop aroma begins to overtake it. Its reddish copper color looks like a California Redwood, and it has a tall, rocky, off-white headstand. The flavor is immediately bitter and lasts all the way into the finish, where it becomes rough and scratchy with moderately high carbonation. Earthy hop flavors are moderately high and, combined with the bitterness, blunt the caramel malt flavor and sweetness. This Amber certainly has more caramel flavor and malt richness than a Pale Ale, but would do well with brighter hop character.