Whistle Stop Amber
Johansson's Dining House

 

 

Everything is on point but the flavor, which has a bit of a medicinal flavor. Possibly toasted malt? It blends with a caramel sweetness and just doesn't work great. But not bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A: like an old dark brick in color with a moderate amount of head(pretty good for a growler pour). Head was light khaki, dissipated quickly and didn't leave much lacing. Poured into an american pint glass.

S: a sweet biscuity smell comes out right off the bat. A lot of caramel and, I never thought I'd say this about a beer but, sugar daddies(the candy).

T: same caramel malt sweetness and almost a little bit of butterscotch. Almost cloyingly sweet but overall the small amount of hops keeps it reasonable.

MF: viscous and heavy, not that effervescent and somewhat creamy.

D: a beautiful done red ale, I love it but would have to be in the mood for a sweet beer to get it. Draft only sucks but its a minute from my house so that raises drink ability for me

I like my beer darker and complex, but not necessarily high gravity. I had high hopes for this one when it came to the table. Nice deep bronze in the glass with ruby highlights in the setting sun. Not much in the nose and the taste was fairly straightforward and simple, some initial roasted malt with a fairly slick mouthfeel, not much carbonation to speak-of, and a subtle hops bitterness. Again, well made, fairly good tasting, but nothing I'd write home about. Those at our table that tried it all liked it, but primarily because it was fairly drinkable. (In fact, the IPA was the standout at Johansson's.)

There are very few things I miss about the city of Westminster, and Whistle Stop might be number one on that list.

Pours a nice dark bay color with a milky/frothy head. Smells present are nutty and caramel. The taste is smooth and satisfying. The carbonation is not over powering and I must include that I enjoy this beer from the tap much more then from the cask.

Overall this beer is as satisfying as can be.

Served as a deep amber colored beer with moderate white head.
Smell is notable for caramel with a nice nutty malty character in the background.
Taste is also dominated by the caramel malt,and is nicely refreshing.
The finish shows more sweet malt with little hops to be noted.
This would be a great beer to session.

Served on draught in a pint glass.

A: Amber/red in color, good clarity, served with about 3/4" head with good retention. Some lacing.

S: Slight hop aroma with a touch of grapefruit. A little bit of caramel in the background.

T: starts with a dry, citrusy/grapefruit hop flavor, with some caramel malt backbone. Ends with a good amount of bitterness for this style.

M: average body, lightly carbonated. Served at the appropriate temperature.

D: very easy to drink; tends a bit more toward the hoppy side for an amber ale which I like.