Bahl Hornin' Imperial Boont Amber Ale
Anderson Valley Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

16oz glass at, yup, you guessed it, Beer Rev's Anderson Valley tap takeover.

This beer appears a clear, glassy, dark bronzed amber hue, with nary a cap of indescribable (due to its non-existence) 'head', which surprisingly leaves a bit of stringy lace in places around the glass as things drop away.

It smells of semi-sweet caramel malt, a touch of toffee, some wet dark breadiness, mild leafy, citrusy, and piney hops, and a suggestion of warming alcohol. The taste is bready caramel malt, simmering toffee pudding, concentrated apple and pear compote, more tame orange citrus and leafy pine hop notes, and boozy florals.

The carbonation is pretty understated, barely registering a blip on the froth-o-meter, the body medium-heavy in weight, and actually quite smooth, the hops not possessing the chutzpah to meddle here. It finishes on the sweet side, the fairly complex malt starting to see less and less of the bitter side of the still fruity hops.

When you 'imperialize' a regular ale, usually that means more hops and more ABV, even for amber ales. Not here - Imperial Boont is just a larger dose of malt sweetness, enough hops to barely keep things honest, and yes, a large-ish amount of alcohol. Not an overly interesting prospect, and equally banal in its delivery. Give me the Lagunitas or Green Flash version over this one any day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at Yard House in Northridge, CA.

Pours a clear copper with a foamy tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Thin rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, caramel, and citrus zest aromas. Taste is much the same with fruity and caramel flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that lives up to its imperial name with a fairly strong alcohol presence.