Copper Amber Ale | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Brewed by:
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
North Carolina, United States | website
Style: Altbier
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.80%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by AlexJ on 04-29-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 81 | Ratings: 370
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Trying the Olde Mecklenburg while on layover at Charlotte, NC airport at the restaurant Taste of Carolina. The beer poured a rich clear copper/amber with thin white head that is lacing. The smell includes caramel malt. The taste is a well balance beer between caramel malt and hops which help to clear the pallate after the drink. The mouthfeel is a nice medium body beer with good carbonation. Overall this is a great session beer and wish I could drink more.
★ 460 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Trying the Olde Mecklenburg while on layover at Charlotte, NC airport at the restaurant Taste of Carolina. The beer poured a rich clear copper/amber with thin white head that is lacing. The smell includes caramel malt. The taste is a well balance beer between caramel malt and hops which help to clear the pallate after the drink. The mouthfeel is a nice medium body beer with good carbonation. Overall this is a great session beer and wish I could drink more.
★ 460 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Poured a bright amber with two-finger head. Subtle smell of spicy hops and malt.
Smooth, clean malt flavor profile. Prickly carbonation that lifts the toasty and tasty malt flavors. Bready. This is decidedly good fresh and really hits the mark. Extremely easy to drink and the mouthfeel is perfect for style and session.
Very nice altbier interpretation. Glorious with pretzels and mustard.
★ 393 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Poured a bright amber with two-finger head. Subtle smell of spicy hops and malt.
Smooth, clean malt flavor profile. Prickly carbonation that lifts the toasty and tasty malt flavors. Bready. This is decidedly good fresh and really hits the mark. Extremely easy to drink and the mouthfeel is perfect for style and session.
Very nice altbier interpretation. Glorious with pretzels and mustard.
★ 393 characters
4.25/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Well, it's copper, clear, with a white head that has decent retention and lacing.
S/T - Fresh baked biscuit, toasted grains, a little nutty, and finishes with an ever so slight noble hop presence.
M - Medium body, crisp, clean, very smooth.
O - Easy drinking with a nice depth of flavor.
★ 296 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A - Well, it's copper, clear, with a white head that has decent retention and lacing.
S/T - Fresh baked biscuit, toasted grains, a little nutty, and finishes with an ever so slight noble hop presence.
M - Medium body, crisp, clean, very smooth.
O - Easy drinking with a nice depth of flavor.
★ 296 characters
4.24/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Tried this beer twice. The first one might've been an old batch because it was kinda sour but the last one I had taste great. It was malty with a nice semi sweet finish. I'll definitely be drinking more of these in the future.
★ 226 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Tried this beer twice. The first one might've been an old batch because it was kinda sour but the last one I had taste great. It was malty with a nice semi sweet finish. I'll definitely be drinking more of these in the future.
★ 226 characters
4.24/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
1st review on BeerAdvocate.
pours light brown orange color depending on light angle.
a light smell of bread, caramel.
medium body with flavors of bread, caramel, yeast, and a copperish flavor ( i tried to eat a penny when i was a kid, i know, dumb).
This is currently in my top 3 favorite beers and always fresh since i only live 30 minutes from the brewery, lucky me!
★ 373 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
1st review on BeerAdvocate.
pours light brown orange color depending on light angle.
a light smell of bread, caramel.
medium body with flavors of bread, caramel, yeast, and a copperish flavor ( i tried to eat a penny when i was a kid, i know, dumb).
This is currently in my top 3 favorite beers and always fresh since i only live 30 minutes from the brewery, lucky me!
★ 373 characters
4.23/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
BOD 10/29/14. Pours a clear medium amber with a rich garnet cast. Normal head volume, exceptional lacing and normal retention. Light nose of biscuit with a bready background over a light caramel. As it warms, earthy noble hop notes are present. Heavy light body with a bit of creaminess and oiliness that produces a very smooth texture. I've never encountered so much texture in a body this light - exceptional job. Well carbonated with effervescence from the middle on. The World Class flavor profile is reasonably intense, superbly balanced and a bit complex. It begins with bready biscuit that flows into a very mild bitterness. As the bitterness fades, a slightly sweet caramel base is noted along with a hint of nuts. The finish is fairly clean and here is where the hop flavor comes forward, which I believe is Hallertau Mittlefruh. An outstanding Altbier.
★ 873 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
BOD 10/29/14. Pours a clear medium amber with a rich garnet cast. Normal head volume, exceptional lacing and normal retention. Light nose of biscuit with a bready background over a light caramel. As it warms, earthy noble hop notes are present. Heavy light body with a bit of creaminess and oiliness that produces a very smooth texture. I've never encountered so much texture in a body this light - exceptional job. Well carbonated with effervescence from the middle on. The World Class flavor profile is reasonably intense, superbly balanced and a bit complex. It begins with bready biscuit that flows into a very mild bitterness. As the bitterness fades, a slightly sweet caramel base is noted along with a hint of nuts. The finish is fairly clean and here is where the hop flavor comes forward, which I believe is Hallertau Mittlefruh. An outstanding Altbier.
★ 873 characters
4.21/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
@ Olde Mecklenburg
Copper red color topped by a gorgeous head of thick frothiness. All kinds of lacing left of the glass. Gentle toast, floral, and biscuit aromas...mild overall, but nice. Chewy malt and soft noble hop flavors finishing with a delightful hit of fresh grain. Appropriately clean and easy to consume in large quantities. Very well-crafted. I enjoyed the hell out of this. We picked up a pack of bombers to bring home, so I hope it's just as satisfying and enjoyable from the bottle.
★ 498 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
@ Olde Mecklenburg
Copper red color topped by a gorgeous head of thick frothiness. All kinds of lacing left of the glass. Gentle toast, floral, and biscuit aromas...mild overall, but nice. Chewy malt and soft noble hop flavors finishing with a delightful hit of fresh grain. Appropriately clean and easy to consume in large quantities. Very well-crafted. I enjoyed the hell out of this. We picked up a pack of bombers to bring home, so I hope it's just as satisfying and enjoyable from the bottle.
★ 498 characters
4.19/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured on tap in a shaker, the beer is a deep, vibrant copper coloring. Aromas of subtle caramel and roasted notes. Very balanced and light. Flavors are extremely balanced and smooth, with caramel and nut highlights blending perfectly. Smooth, light body, with a caramel sweet linger in the aftertaste. Finish is light and crisp. Insanely balanced and immensely drinkable.
★ 373 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured on tap in a shaker, the beer is a deep, vibrant copper coloring. Aromas of subtle caramel and roasted notes. Very balanced and light. Flavors are extremely balanced and smooth, with caramel and nut highlights blending perfectly. Smooth, light body, with a caramel sweet linger in the aftertaste. Finish is light and crisp. Insanely balanced and immensely drinkable.
★ 373 characters
4.18/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This is the second beer I am reviewing from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Due to a stint in Germany during the 1990s, one of the owners has a passion for German style beers, which is what the brewery exclusively focuses on. Copper is an Albier, which basically just means that it is beer made the old fashion way. In fact, the Reinheitsgebot is posted on the tap room wall and mentioned with pride during the tour of the brewing area.
This beer is the only year-round offering at OMB, and definitely my favorite. Top fermentation process idendifies is more closely to ale, which I prefer. It has a great dark brown color, strong malt and yeast smell, and well-rounded, nutty flavor. The obvious strong suit of this beer is the freshness. It is very easy to drink at 4.8%, and is advertised by the staff as a session beer.
If you live in the Charlotte area, you have to try Copper from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
★ 908 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This is the second beer I am reviewing from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Due to a stint in Germany during the 1990s, one of the owners has a passion for German style beers, which is what the brewery exclusively focuses on. Copper is an Albier, which basically just means that it is beer made the old fashion way. In fact, the Reinheitsgebot is posted on the tap room wall and mentioned with pride during the tour of the brewing area.
This beer is the only year-round offering at OMB, and definitely my favorite. Top fermentation process idendifies is more closely to ale, which I prefer. It has a great dark brown color, strong malt and yeast smell, and well-rounded, nutty flavor. The obvious strong suit of this beer is the freshness. It is very easy to drink at 4.8%, and is advertised by the staff as a session beer.
If you live in the Charlotte area, you have to try Copper from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
★ 908 characters
4.17/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap
A- pours a clear copper color with a one-finger foamy white head that has good retention
S- smells of toasted malt with notes of brown bread & some spicy herbal hop notes
T- tastes of toasted bready malt with some sweet caramel notes, along with toasted crackers. Grassy and floral hop notes compliment throughout as it finishes with more toasted malt on the linger
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel and a crisp finish
O- had a few pints at the hotel bar with ease, high drinkability and very well balanced
★ 543 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap
A- pours a clear copper color with a one-finger foamy white head that has good retention
S- smells of toasted malt with notes of brown bread & some spicy herbal hop notes
T- tastes of toasted bready malt with some sweet caramel notes, along with toasted crackers. Grassy and floral hop notes compliment throughout as it finishes with more toasted malt on the linger
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel and a crisp finish
O- had a few pints at the hotel bar with ease, high drinkability and very well balanced
★ 543 characters
4.15/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a fun one. Great nutty, toasty aroma to start with. It's a big malt character up front and then mild, spicy hops finish. Reminds me, oddly enough, of Sierra Nevada's Nooner for the malts. There are doughy notes that veer towards a little diacetyl, but taste great. I can easily say this is the best amber anything I've had in a long while.
★ 347 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a fun one. Great nutty, toasty aroma to start with. It's a big malt character up front and then mild, spicy hops finish. Reminds me, oddly enough, of Sierra Nevada's Nooner for the malts. There are doughy notes that veer towards a little diacetyl, but taste great. I can easily say this is the best amber anything I've had in a long while.
★ 347 characters
4.15/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle courtesy of wilwfu, thanks again!
Pours a slightly hazy amber color with a small but solid white head.
Aromas are quite beady, with notes of spices, smells good.
Taste is nice. Pronounced breadiness up front, notes of spices, light caramel and hints of cream and smoke. Finish is very smooth, with faint mineral hoppiness.
Mouthfeel is very good. Plenty of body without being heavy, smooth, with excellent carbonation.
Overall... Dang, this beer was certainly a very pleasant surprise. This is one of those beers that takes on a simple and classic style, and I must say, OMB pretty much nailed it. This is very full flavored, easy drinking, and enjoyable beer. Well done OMB.
★ 687 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle courtesy of wilwfu, thanks again!
Pours a slightly hazy amber color with a small but solid white head.
Aromas are quite beady, with notes of spices, smells good.
Taste is nice. Pronounced breadiness up front, notes of spices, light caramel and hints of cream and smoke. Finish is very smooth, with faint mineral hoppiness.
Mouthfeel is very good. Plenty of body without being heavy, smooth, with excellent carbonation.
Overall... Dang, this beer was certainly a very pleasant surprise. This is one of those beers that takes on a simple and classic style, and I must say, OMB pretty much nailed it. This is very full flavored, easy drinking, and enjoyable beer. Well done OMB.
★ 687 characters
4.15/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
ACBF pour
A-Pours a dark copper color. Body seems to be clear and the head is a well-sized, tan collection of fizzy bubbles.
S-A rich, yet reserved Altbier. Bready, slightly musty, sweet caramel. Light Euro hops. All well proportioned.
T-Very well done and very tasty. It's just constructed beautifully. It tastes like dark bread and bread crusts and a fruity Lager yeast and notes of caramel. Light, spicy hops.
M-Light bodied. Very drinkable. A bit creamy.
O-Best Copper Ale I have had. It's such a bland style. This one was very memorable and I'm happy I got to try it several times at ACBF.
★ 600 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
ACBF pour
A-Pours a dark copper color. Body seems to be clear and the head is a well-sized, tan collection of fizzy bubbles.
S-A rich, yet reserved Altbier. Bready, slightly musty, sweet caramel. Light Euro hops. All well proportioned.
T-Very well done and very tasty. It's just constructed beautifully. It tastes like dark bread and bread crusts and a fruity Lager yeast and notes of caramel. Light, spicy hops.
M-Light bodied. Very drinkable. A bit creamy.
O-Best Copper Ale I have had. It's such a bland style. This one was very memorable and I'm happy I got to try it several times at ACBF.
★ 600 characters
4.15/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Served a clear, medium copper-toned body with a full inch of just barely off-white foam.
Smell: Barley scent of crisped grains, lightly bready, with small, supporting sniffs of noble hops and red apple peelings.
Taste: Bready malted barley with a teensy touch of toastiness and some caramelized flavors yielding a sufficiently sweet taste of caramel. Minute apple fruitiness. Leafy, spicy German hops with a light, complimentary bitterness. Slowly dries out a careful pace until the soft, clean finish.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation. Smooth mouthfeel.
Drinkability: Smooth, refreshing, and just a pleasant drink overall. It's nice to see a brewery specializing and giving great care to these German styles.
★ 741 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Served a clear, medium copper-toned body with a full inch of just barely off-white foam.
Smell: Barley scent of crisped grains, lightly bready, with small, supporting sniffs of noble hops and red apple peelings.
Taste: Bready malted barley with a teensy touch of toastiness and some caramelized flavors yielding a sufficiently sweet taste of caramel. Minute apple fruitiness. Leafy, spicy German hops with a light, complimentary bitterness. Slowly dries out a careful pace until the soft, clean finish.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body. Medium carbonation. Smooth mouthfeel.
Drinkability: Smooth, refreshing, and just a pleasant drink overall. It's nice to see a brewery specializing and giving great care to these German styles.
★ 741 characters
4.14/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bomber into a tulip. 7/19/13 bottling date so extremely fresh
Pours a dark copper color with a nice, fizzy head. Lots of tiny bubbles in this beer too, very eye appealing. The smell is smokey and hoppy. Very strong aroma. The taste is similar to the scent. Its crisp with a good amounts of hops, and a tad of rye smokiness on the back end. Tastes fresh. Super easy to drink, not too light bodied either. Youd guess 6 or 7% ABV. Very enjoyable.
Overall just a great enjoyable beer right here. I didnt know it would be a german style and flavor before opening it, i was expecting just a regular american amber. Pleasantly surprised. Will gladly return to this.
★ 660 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bomber into a tulip. 7/19/13 bottling date so extremely fresh
Pours a dark copper color with a nice, fizzy head. Lots of tiny bubbles in this beer too, very eye appealing. The smell is smokey and hoppy. Very strong aroma. The taste is similar to the scent. Its crisp with a good amounts of hops, and a tad of rye smokiness on the back end. Tastes fresh. Super easy to drink, not too light bodied either. Youd guess 6 or 7% ABV. Very enjoyable.
Overall just a great enjoyable beer right here. I didnt know it would be a german style and flavor before opening it, i was expecting just a regular american amber. Pleasantly surprised. Will gladly return to this.
★ 660 characters
4.14/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Had this on 2015-07-27 in Pineville, NC from a 12 oz bottle. Had this again in Pineville, NC from a 12oz bottle on 2016-04-15. Enjoyed it but noted the butter (diacetyl) flavor more than last year. I've become more sensitized to this flavor. I dropped my ratings a bit to reflect the diacetyl flavor, which many very much enjoy. I'm having the same issue with Pilsner Urquell. My tastes are changing.
A - Clear copper-Amber with a 1-finger white head and moderate lace
S - Lightly toasted bread, floral and spice, yeast.
T - Bread, caramel, grass, light chocolate, nutty. Complex and malty but there is the right amount of bitter balance. Delicious.
M - Light-medium body and medium-high carbonation. Crisp and refreshing.
O - This is a top shelf altbier. I'm impressed.
★ 783 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Had this on 2015-07-27 in Pineville, NC from a 12 oz bottle. Had this again in Pineville, NC from a 12oz bottle on 2016-04-15. Enjoyed it but noted the butter (diacetyl) flavor more than last year. I've become more sensitized to this flavor. I dropped my ratings a bit to reflect the diacetyl flavor, which many very much enjoy. I'm having the same issue with Pilsner Urquell. My tastes are changing.
A - Clear copper-Amber with a 1-finger white head and moderate lace
S - Lightly toasted bread, floral and spice, yeast.
T - Bread, caramel, grass, light chocolate, nutty. Complex and malty but there is the right amount of bitter balance. Delicious.
M - Light-medium body and medium-high carbonation. Crisp and refreshing.
O - This is a top shelf altbier. I'm impressed.
★ 783 characters
4.13/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
My first OMB beer to try.Poured into a becker a rich clear copper with an awesome sticky one finger white head atop,great definition and clarity,top notch looks.Fruity esters along with sweetish pizza dough in the nose,oddly enough even a little booze for such a "small" beer.Fresh pizza dough and caramel sweetness upfront on the palate with some mild fruity esters and a hint of leafy hops,again the fresh dough comes in late in the aftertaste.This is one damn fine rendition of an alt beer it packs alot of subtle delicious flavors,Iam lookin forward to trying the rest of the OMB line.
★ 589 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
My first OMB beer to try.Poured into a becker a rich clear copper with an awesome sticky one finger white head atop,great definition and clarity,top notch looks.Fruity esters along with sweetish pizza dough in the nose,oddly enough even a little booze for such a "small" beer.Fresh pizza dough and caramel sweetness upfront on the palate with some mild fruity esters and a hint of leafy hops,again the fresh dough comes in late in the aftertaste.This is one damn fine rendition of an alt beer it packs alot of subtle delicious flavors,Iam lookin forward to trying the rest of the OMB line.
★ 589 characters
4.13/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottled: 11.15.11
Into a goblet it pours a dark tawny copper, fading into yellow orange in the lower meniscus of the glass. Ever present cap of sturdy foam that has a creamy texture to it's surface. Rings of lace are left behind, and the head never breaks. Brilliantly clear with saturated color.
Dry toasty malt aroma with some grassy noble hops at first that give it a slightly skunky impression.
Toasty and mellow, slight bitterness. Smooth feel, dry finish with residual malty flavor. Toasted biscuit, herbal tea. Light bodied, light carbonation, full flavored. Overall a nice traditional Alt, very fresh and tasty. Thanks for the OMB beer Wil!
★ 652 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottled: 11.15.11
Into a goblet it pours a dark tawny copper, fading into yellow orange in the lower meniscus of the glass. Ever present cap of sturdy foam that has a creamy texture to it's surface. Rings of lace are left behind, and the head never breaks. Brilliantly clear with saturated color.
Dry toasty malt aroma with some grassy noble hops at first that give it a slightly skunky impression.
Toasty and mellow, slight bitterness. Smooth feel, dry finish with residual malty flavor. Toasted biscuit, herbal tea. Light bodied, light carbonation, full flavored. Overall a nice traditional Alt, very fresh and tasty. Thanks for the OMB beer Wil!
★ 652 characters
4.13/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Tasted On: 11-24-2012
Freshness: Unknown
Packaging: Draft
Glassware: Stange
Purchased: On tap at the brewery
A: Dark copper color, with lots of bubbles seen in the glass. The white head of a finger features excellent lacing and very good head retention.
S: Aromas are of roasted grains and noble hops.
T: Taste is moderately bitter from the noble hops, with a toasted malt backbone balancing it out well.
M: Crisp and clean with a light body. Finishes moderately bitter.
O: Nothing flashy here but a solid amber ale. This is a style you don't see much of and Olde Mecklenburg has made this their brewery standard. Well done, this is a brew where the sum is greater than the individual parts.
★ 697 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Tasted On: 11-24-2012
Freshness: Unknown
Packaging: Draft
Glassware: Stange
Purchased: On tap at the brewery
A: Dark copper color, with lots of bubbles seen in the glass. The white head of a finger features excellent lacing and very good head retention.
S: Aromas are of roasted grains and noble hops.
T: Taste is moderately bitter from the noble hops, with a toasted malt backbone balancing it out well.
M: Crisp and clean with a light body. Finishes moderately bitter.
O: Nothing flashy here but a solid amber ale. This is a style you don't see much of and Olde Mecklenburg has made this their brewery standard. Well done, this is a brew where the sum is greater than the individual parts.
★ 697 characters
4.12/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Consumed December 25th, 2013 at some generic eatery in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Beer is copper colored (duh) and clear. The head was less than one head tall, off-white, and quickly settled down into what looked like a culture in a petri dish.
Smoke caramel aroma with some nuttiness.
Flavor is more of the same: strong, nutty flavor with nice caramel base. Smooth, flavorful and good to drink. Pretty remarkable bitterness on the finish, not in the amount but in the assertiveness.
Some carbonation tingle, slightly thicker and creamier than expected.
This beer is a pleasant surprise and I'd be happy to drink this one again.
★ 647 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Consumed December 25th, 2013 at some generic eatery in Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Beer is copper colored (duh) and clear. The head was less than one head tall, off-white, and quickly settled down into what looked like a culture in a petri dish.
Smoke caramel aroma with some nuttiness.
Flavor is more of the same: strong, nutty flavor with nice caramel base. Smooth, flavorful and good to drink. Pretty remarkable bitterness on the finish, not in the amount but in the assertiveness.
Some carbonation tingle, slightly thicker and creamier than expected.
This beer is a pleasant surprise and I'd be happy to drink this one again.
★ 647 characters
4.12/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
growler fresh from the brewery poured into a tasting glass. pours a rich brownish amber with three fingers of loose eggshell colored head. good retention and rocky lacings.
aroma is of caramel malts and grain with a light note of candied sugar in the background, along with a light note of dark malts that stays in the background.
taste is more of the same with a malt, caramel, and light crain profile. nicely proportioned on the palate with a fresh profile and a very flavorful composition.
mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with a fresh and flavorful profile and a finish of residual grain. nice on the palate.
drinkability is good. for an alt, this is a solid example, on the level of well done German examples. full of caramelly and malty notes with a solid profile. cheers!
★ 785 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
growler fresh from the brewery poured into a tasting glass. pours a rich brownish amber with three fingers of loose eggshell colored head. good retention and rocky lacings.
aroma is of caramel malts and grain with a light note of candied sugar in the background, along with a light note of dark malts that stays in the background.
taste is more of the same with a malt, caramel, and light crain profile. nicely proportioned on the palate with a fresh profile and a very flavorful composition.
mouthfeel is light to medium bodied with a fresh and flavorful profile and a finish of residual grain. nice on the palate.
drinkability is good. for an alt, this is a solid example, on the level of well done German examples. full of caramelly and malty notes with a solid profile. cheers!
★ 785 characters
4.11/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Drunk @ the brewery, on tap multiple places, and on tap again in my garage. I feel like I have a fairly good handle on this brew.
A. Once again, Olde Meck really doesn't have to worry about the appearance of their beers - they have that down cold. A abundance of foamy thick tan head rises atop a shockingly clear dark autumn brew. No lace. Sexy and "pure" looking. No haze, good retention, it could not possibly get more clear.
S. Above all - clean. Slightly bitter floral overtones from the hops, backed by a semi-dry, singed malt profile. Not big. Not in your face. Approachable, yet rewarding. Sweetness is there and the whole thing smells like "beer".
T. Crisp, wet, well balanced between hop-bitters and malt-sweet. There's a "German bread" note here that is hard to describe. Ultimately a bit drier and more bitter-earthy. Touch of roast, grainy tannins. Finishes bitter crisp with a lingering malt presence.
M. Once again, amazing; perfect. Medium-light bodied with some of the crispest, fullest and complementary carbonation around.
D. Yes, impressively so.
Copper Alt isn't quite as good as the subsequent Mecktoberfest, in my mind, but this brewery is also less than a year old. This is really fresh German-style beer and I can't wait to see how good Olde Meck gets in a few years. John is on to something special here. Recommended, and watch this brewery.
★ 1,373 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Drunk @ the brewery, on tap multiple places, and on tap again in my garage. I feel like I have a fairly good handle on this brew.
A. Once again, Olde Meck really doesn't have to worry about the appearance of their beers - they have that down cold. A abundance of foamy thick tan head rises atop a shockingly clear dark autumn brew. No lace. Sexy and "pure" looking. No haze, good retention, it could not possibly get more clear.
S. Above all - clean. Slightly bitter floral overtones from the hops, backed by a semi-dry, singed malt profile. Not big. Not in your face. Approachable, yet rewarding. Sweetness is there and the whole thing smells like "beer".
T. Crisp, wet, well balanced between hop-bitters and malt-sweet. There's a "German bread" note here that is hard to describe. Ultimately a bit drier and more bitter-earthy. Touch of roast, grainy tannins. Finishes bitter crisp with a lingering malt presence.
M. Once again, amazing; perfect. Medium-light bodied with some of the crispest, fullest and complementary carbonation around.
D. Yes, impressively so.
Copper Alt isn't quite as good as the subsequent Mecktoberfest, in my mind, but this brewery is also less than a year old. This is really fresh German-style beer and I can't wait to see how good Olde Meck gets in a few years. John is on to something special here. Recommended, and watch this brewery.
★ 1,373 characters
4.1/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
1L swing-top growler filled a few weeks ago. Into a standard shaker pint -
A: As the name says... copper. There's a nice, light beige head - about a finger's worth - that forms on the pour, but manages some respectable retention and leaves a few spots of lace.
S: Toasted grains and bready malts dominate the nose; there's some light caramel in there, too; maybe a touch nutty, as well.
T: Follows the nose, for the most part... very "organic" malt flavors: grain, bread, etc; a touch sweet, but there's a bit of a bright, earthy hop bite (not much) on the finish that counters the sweetness; a smidge metallic, too.
M: Much fuller that I remembered from last time; carbo is still in the medium range (despite the 3 week old growler fill); super smooth.
O/D: A great beer that's very traditional; it's always nice to pick up a few of these when I visit the QC. Very smooth, drinkable and well balanced. Very good beer from such a young brewery!
★ 949 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
1L swing-top growler filled a few weeks ago. Into a standard shaker pint -
A: As the name says... copper. There's a nice, light beige head - about a finger's worth - that forms on the pour, but manages some respectable retention and leaves a few spots of lace.
S: Toasted grains and bready malts dominate the nose; there's some light caramel in there, too; maybe a touch nutty, as well.
T: Follows the nose, for the most part... very "organic" malt flavors: grain, bread, etc; a touch sweet, but there's a bit of a bright, earthy hop bite (not much) on the finish that counters the sweetness; a smidge metallic, too.
M: Much fuller that I remembered from last time; carbo is still in the medium range (despite the 3 week old growler fill); super smooth.
O/D: A great beer that's very traditional; it's always nice to pick up a few of these when I visit the QC. Very smooth, drinkable and well balanced. Very good beer from such a young brewery!
★ 949 characters
4.05/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to kkipple for getting me the growler! I was thrilled to have a nice session able one to enjoy with dinner this evening. Served cold and poured into several pint glasses, this one was consumed on 01/26/2010.
The pour was very nice, medium amber n color with a very clear look to it. Holding it up to the light reveals almost a mid range orange hue. Nice head of white then comes up and over the top of the glass, settling down very nicely and leaving some good lacing along the sides and the bottom of the glass. Aroma is rich, caramel malts and grassy notes leading the way here. Warming brings up a nose that is full of bready and grainy notes as well as a touch of a fruit, apricot, something light and dominated by sweetness that adds just a little bit of kick to the nose. Smooth, very smooth and mellow body here, almost slick, but the carbonation saves it from becoming too much. Rich caramel flavor washes across the tongue and melds perfectly with a smooth and even bready flavor. Nice finish on here is semi dry and really does not wash out for several minutes before it settles. Really quite drinkable as the lasting taste of nuts and light herbal notes blends well with caramel and a touch of grape skin. Super drinkable, I had no issue at all with finishing this one off.
Overall a very solid offering here. Nice flavor, good aroma, pretty classic for the style. A nice welcome into the world of Old Meck for me and enough to warrant me stopping in there again sometime soon.
★ 1,513 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Big thanks to kkipple for getting me the growler! I was thrilled to have a nice session able one to enjoy with dinner this evening. Served cold and poured into several pint glasses, this one was consumed on 01/26/2010.
The pour was very nice, medium amber n color with a very clear look to it. Holding it up to the light reveals almost a mid range orange hue. Nice head of white then comes up and over the top of the glass, settling down very nicely and leaving some good lacing along the sides and the bottom of the glass. Aroma is rich, caramel malts and grassy notes leading the way here. Warming brings up a nose that is full of bready and grainy notes as well as a touch of a fruit, apricot, something light and dominated by sweetness that adds just a little bit of kick to the nose. Smooth, very smooth and mellow body here, almost slick, but the carbonation saves it from becoming too much. Rich caramel flavor washes across the tongue and melds perfectly with a smooth and even bready flavor. Nice finish on here is semi dry and really does not wash out for several minutes before it settles. Really quite drinkable as the lasting taste of nuts and light herbal notes blends well with caramel and a touch of grape skin. Super drinkable, I had no issue at all with finishing this one off.
Overall a very solid offering here. Nice flavor, good aroma, pretty classic for the style. A nice welcome into the world of Old Meck for me and enough to warrant me stopping in there again sometime soon.
★ 1,513 characters
Copper Amber Ale from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4.06
out of 5
based on 370 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottle from the Bulldog bottle shop near the brewery, served in a pint glass.
Copper (what else) colored with a good head and foamy lacing. Excellent clarity.
Aroma: sweet and medium roasted grains; faint hops.
Flavor: follows the aroma but with more obvious hops adding some spicy notes and a balancing bitterness.
Feel: smooth and slick; medium body and near medium carbonation.
Overall: outstanding version of the style; certainly among the best I've ever had.
★ 477 characters