Buttface Amber Ale
Ram Restaurant & Brewery

another ram beer that you see at most of the locations i think, somehow never had this one until now. its really basic, but also of quality, maybe not the most compelling take on the style, seems dated and sort of from the last wave to me, but it drinks easy, seems right on for fall weather, and isnt as sweet as some, although it still has that long malty finish, i enjoyed my pint here. pretty deep brick red shade to this, a little step up from the average i reckon, average inch of cream colored head on it, thick and lasting, looks good. the nose is nutty, autumnal, caramelized and concentrated, with subtle roasted almond, dry cocoa, and tobacco notes to it, definitely a little deeper and with more dimension than is common in the style. the ferment smells clean, and the hops are quite minimal. the flavor has just a trace metallic thing to it, which comes out a little more at temperature, brassy or copper-like. brown sugar and maple richness in the center, hints of raisin and toasted chestnut too, even a rum note even though no alcohol shows itself, sweetness and light woodiness somehow. smooth in body but could use a little more carbonation to keep it drinking, it stagnates just slightly, or without it, it could be a bit drier than it is, it sits on the teeth just a little long, but i cant be too critical. this has a little more going on than many of its peers and hits the mark for me. old reliable in here.

 

 

 

I tried this at the brewery. It poured a clear amber with white head that left some lacing. The scent had touch of bitter hop. The taste was nicely balanced and very easy to drink. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it was a decent beer.

Draft at Boise brewery. Pretty bland. Light, clear amber with weak head. Faint aroma and taste, generic maltiness. Not much of a finish. Just all around weak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This beer is very good as a stand alone but it tends to bitter if eaten with the normal fare at the Ram restaurant where it is served. Smooth with a hoppy finish.

 

Nothing out of this world, but also quite enjoyable; malt sweetness is present upfront but is attenuated by a balanced hop bitterness. This reminds me a lot of Aruba Red and Sam Adams Brick Red.