Amber and Brown American Beer - American Amber Ale

Amber and Brown American Beer
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Amber and Brown American Beer - American Amber Ale

Name

American Amber Ale

Category

Amber and Brown American Beer

This category contains modern American amber and brown top-fermented ales and warm-fermented lagers of standard strength that can be balanced to bitter.

Guidelines

Impression

An amber, hoppy, moderate-strength American craft beer with a malty caramel flavor. The balance can vary quite a bit, with some versions being fairly malty and others being aggressively hoppy. Hoppy and bitter versions should not have clashing flavors with the caramel malt profile.

Aroma

Low to moderate hop aroma reflective of American or New World hop varieties (citrus, floral, pine, resin, spice, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon). A citrusy hop character is common, but not required. Moderately-low to moderately-high maltiness, usually with a moderate caramel character, that can either support, balance, or sometimes mask the hop presentation. Esters vary from moderate to none.

Appearance

Deep amber to coppery-brown in color, sometimes with a reddish hue. Moderately large off-white head with good retention. Generally quite clear.

Flavor

Moderate to high hop flavor with similar characteristics as the aroma. Malt flavors are moderate to strong, and usually show an initial malty sweetness followed by a moderate caramel flavor and sometimes toasty or biscuity malt flavors in lesser amounts. Dark or roasted malt flavors absent. Moderate to moderately-high bitterness. Balance can vary from somewhat malty to somewhat bitter. Fruity esters can be moderate to none. Caramel sweetness, hop flavor, and bitterness can linger somewhat into the medium to full yet dry finish.

Mouth Feel

Medium to medium-full body. Medium to high carbonation. Overall smooth finish without astringency. Stronger versions may have a slight alcohol warmth.

Comments

Can overlap in color with darker American pale ales, but with a different malt flavor and balance. A range of balance exists in this style, from balanced and malty to more aggressively hopped.

History

A modern American craft beer style developed as a variation from American Pale Ales. Mendocino Red Tail Ale was first made in 1983, and was known regionally as a Red Ale. This served as the progenitor of Double Reds (American Strong Ale), Red IPAs, and other hoppy, caramelly beers.

Ingredients

Neutral pale ale malt. Medium to dark crystal malts. American or New World hops, often with citrusy flavors, are common but others may also be used. Neutral to lightly estery yeast.

Comparison

Darker, more caramelly, more body, and generally less bitter in the balance than American Pale Ales. Less alcohol, bitterness, and hop character than Red IPAs. Less strength, malt, and hop character than American Strong Ales. Less chocolate and dark caramel than an American Brown Ale.

Statistics

Type Min Max
OG 1.045 1.060
FG 1.010 1.015
IBU 25 40
SRM 10 17
ABV 4.5 6.2

Commercial Examples

  • Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale
  • Bell’s Amber Ale
  • Full Sail Amber
  • North Coast Red Seal Ale
  • Saint Arnold Amber Ale
  • Tröegs Hopback Amber Ale

Tags

  • standard-strength
  • amber-color
  • top-fermented
  • north-america
  • craft-style
  • amber-ale-family
  • balanced
  • hoppy