Boont Amber Ale
Anderson Valley Brewing Company


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- From:
- Anderson Valley Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Style:
- Red Ale - American Amber / Red
Ranked #44 - ABV:
- 5.8%
- Score:
- 86
Ranked #19,423 - Avg:
- 3.84 | pDev: 12.76%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jun 18, 2022
- Added:
- Aug 12, 2001
- Wants:
- 86
- Gots:
- 287
SCORE
86
Very Good
86
Very Good


Notes:
Balance is what makes our Boont Amber Ale so unique: rich, crystal malts give this beer a deep copper hue and contribute a slight caramel sweetness while the herbal, spicy bitterness from carefully selected whole-cone hops impart a crisp, clean finish. Hints of sun toasted grain, toffee, and fruity esters compliment the mellow, noble hop aroma.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.84/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TheBricenator from Oregon
Look: Amber-red in the glass and looks brown on the pour from which a silky-looking beige head forms and holds as a pillow before receding, leaving good lacing behind
Aroma: Freshly baked bread, red apple skins, a little caramel, light wafts of earthiness, and some toffee
Taste: Caramel and bready malt come together in full force to start things off and develop depth as they settle in. Some fruity esters and mild earthy hops peek in some but the bready and sweet malt continue on undeterred through the close
Mouthfeel: Full, pretty clean, medium-high carbonation, and a soft and slightly smooth finish
Overall: This is good stuff. I haven’t had this beer in years but it’s such a classic, I had to revisit and review this unassuming gem. An easy-drinking and well-made Amber with good malt presence throughout and is overall quite simplistic and straightforward, which is part of the allure to me of Ambers
Jun 18, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TheBricenator from Oregon
Look: Amber-red in the glass and looks brown on the pour from which a silky-looking beige head forms and holds as a pillow before receding, leaving good lacing behind
Aroma: Freshly baked bread, red apple skins, a little caramel, light wafts of earthiness, and some toffee
Taste: Caramel and bready malt come together in full force to start things off and develop depth as they settle in. Some fruity esters and mild earthy hops peek in some but the bready and sweet malt continue on undeterred through the close
Mouthfeel: Full, pretty clean, medium-high carbonation, and a soft and slightly smooth finish
Overall: This is good stuff. I haven’t had this beer in years but it’s such a classic, I had to revisit and review this unassuming gem. An easy-drinking and well-made Amber with good malt presence throughout and is overall quite simplistic and straightforward, which is part of the allure to me of Ambers
Jun 18, 2022
4 by Dsimenson from California on Jun 18, 2022
3.54/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by MaltsOfGlory from Oregon
12oz can
Pours a finger of tan head into my can-style glass. Retention is average and the head fades within in a minute or two. Initial lacing looks very nice. Body is amber with a lot of brown and some shades of orange. Looks decent so far.
Nose is extremely peculiar. Very floral, loads of honey. There is a faint suggestion that this could be slightly old, but I have no idea because the canning date is illegible, plus these big honey notes certainly are not associated with that. This….doesn’t smell bad, and I’m quite intrigued.
Flavor is very similar at first, mostly just a very forward honey flavor. Not at all what I’m expecting out of a red, no caramel, not much hop flavor. As it warms there is some oxidation that starts to come through. Initially this works, but as the oxidation comes out it becomes less and less enjoyable.
Carbonation is medium-high. Body is somewhat light. A touch of sweetness and a bit of bitterness, pretty well balanced. Overall a good mouthfeel.
This is still relatively drinkable, there isn’t anything horrible here.
Appearance turned out quite nice. Lacing was pretty thick all the way down.
Overall this is ok, but the oxidation certainly hurts things.
Jan 13, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by MaltsOfGlory from Oregon
12oz can
Pours a finger of tan head into my can-style glass. Retention is average and the head fades within in a minute or two. Initial lacing looks very nice. Body is amber with a lot of brown and some shades of orange. Looks decent so far.
Nose is extremely peculiar. Very floral, loads of honey. There is a faint suggestion that this could be slightly old, but I have no idea because the canning date is illegible, plus these big honey notes certainly are not associated with that. This….doesn’t smell bad, and I’m quite intrigued.
Flavor is very similar at first, mostly just a very forward honey flavor. Not at all what I’m expecting out of a red, no caramel, not much hop flavor. As it warms there is some oxidation that starts to come through. Initially this works, but as the oxidation comes out it becomes less and less enjoyable.
Carbonation is medium-high. Body is somewhat light. A touch of sweetness and a bit of bitterness, pretty well balanced. Overall a good mouthfeel.
This is still relatively drinkable, there isn’t anything horrible here.
Appearance turned out quite nice. Lacing was pretty thick all the way down.
Overall this is ok, but the oxidation certainly hurts things.
Jan 13, 2022
3.84 by KT3418 from Colorado on Dec 26, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BenHesk12 from California
Nice bottle with a logo that hasn't changed during the recent beer craze. This is a solid amber ale with a flavor that I consider "nutty". Malty and flavorful and well balanced.
Oct 25, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BenHesk12 from California
Nice bottle with a logo that hasn't changed during the recent beer craze. This is a solid amber ale with a flavor that I consider "nutty". Malty and flavorful and well balanced.
Oct 25, 2021
3.94 by travelguy from Ohio on Jul 27, 2021
4.28 by Agriverbear from Texas on Jun 29, 2021
4.07/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
very thick, creamy and undulating, long lasting, ivory hued head. Lovely, crystal clear, medium dark orange tinged amber appearance. Light, butterscotch & malted aroma. Subtle, medium bodied, slight caramelized malt flavor which is lightly hopped.
Jun 25, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
very thick, creamy and undulating, long lasting, ivory hued head. Lovely, crystal clear, medium dark orange tinged amber appearance. Light, butterscotch & malted aroma. Subtle, medium bodied, slight caramelized malt flavor which is lightly hopped.
Jun 25, 2021
4 by JohnnyForeign from New Jersey on Jun 13, 2021
3.99/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by HipCzech from Texas
Deep, clear copper color with a frothy top of off white foam and patchy lacing. Mellow aromas of toasted cereal grain. Nicely balanced flavors of toasted malt, caramel, fruit esters, and earthy and spicy hops. Steers well clear of sweeter. Idea to remain crisp and refreshing. Medium body, creamy feel and moderate carbonation.
Jun 12, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by HipCzech from Texas
Deep, clear copper color with a frothy top of off white foam and patchy lacing. Mellow aromas of toasted cereal grain. Nicely balanced flavors of toasted malt, caramel, fruit esters, and earthy and spicy hops. Steers well clear of sweeter. Idea to remain crisp and refreshing. Medium body, creamy feel and moderate carbonation.
Jun 12, 2021
3.77 by QuintusHorace from California on Jun 09, 2021
3.85 by arzt from Germany on Jun 05, 2021
3.83 by simonrgilbert57 from California on May 14, 2021
3.06/5 rDev -20.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
by Gajo74 from New York
Pours a clear caramel and amber color. A large frothy head displays great retention and lacing.
The nose is sweet with notes of caramel, cracker and biscuity malts. There is a touch of roasty malts that evoke chocolate. Aromas of fruit including orange and cherry, as well as floral and woodsy hops.
The taste turns out to be too sweet to my liking with too many flavors of butterscotch. The palate is somewhat dry but not enough. Flavors of cracker and biscuit malts, lightly creamy and with notes of caramel. Flavors of fruity, woodsy and floral hops and a developing bitterness that somehow feels unbalanced. The finish is semi dry and somewhat crisp.
Medium bodied and mostly smooth. The carbonation is moderate.
Maybe there was something wrong with this can as it was off flavored and hard to finish.
Mar 17, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
by Gajo74 from New York
Pours a clear caramel and amber color. A large frothy head displays great retention and lacing.
The nose is sweet with notes of caramel, cracker and biscuity malts. There is a touch of roasty malts that evoke chocolate. Aromas of fruit including orange and cherry, as well as floral and woodsy hops.
The taste turns out to be too sweet to my liking with too many flavors of butterscotch. The palate is somewhat dry but not enough. Flavors of cracker and biscuit malts, lightly creamy and with notes of caramel. Flavors of fruity, woodsy and floral hops and a developing bitterness that somehow feels unbalanced. The finish is semi dry and somewhat crisp.
Medium bodied and mostly smooth. The carbonation is moderate.
Maybe there was something wrong with this can as it was off flavored and hard to finish.
Mar 17, 2021
3.64 by gefinley from California on Feb 03, 2021
3.75/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by sjdevel from Utah
LOOK - deep gold / copper hue - crystal clear - 1 finger head that receded rapidly - some lacing persists
SMELL - tangy dark fruit - some molasses - slight vinegar
TASTE - bitter hop bite - scorched brown sugar - tobacco - molasses - tangy fruitiness - a bit harsh on the bitter side and not much on caramel and malt - some funk
FEEL - a bit thin - carbonation dies out
OVERALL - a decent Amber ale - seemed a bit too bitter and needed a bit more of that funky / tangy "red" beer flavor and caramel maltiness - still a good brew
Nov 15, 2020
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by sjdevel from Utah
LOOK - deep gold / copper hue - crystal clear - 1 finger head that receded rapidly - some lacing persists
SMELL - tangy dark fruit - some molasses - slight vinegar
TASTE - bitter hop bite - scorched brown sugar - tobacco - molasses - tangy fruitiness - a bit harsh on the bitter side and not much on caramel and malt - some funk
FEEL - a bit thin - carbonation dies out
OVERALL - a decent Amber ale - seemed a bit too bitter and needed a bit more of that funky / tangy "red" beer flavor and caramel maltiness - still a good brew
Nov 15, 2020
3.24 by DvdP from Netherlands on Sep 29, 2020
3.89/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by jjamadorphd from Florida
Surprisingly unique...
This brew was unique on so many fronts - dark copperish color, spice ladened smell, and a mouthfeel that is truly full-bodied. The taste was full of that same spice noted in the nose and overall I graded it for the true surprise that it was.
Apr 26, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by jjamadorphd from Florida
Surprisingly unique...
This brew was unique on so many fronts - dark copperish color, spice ladened smell, and a mouthfeel that is truly full-bodied. The taste was full of that same spice noted in the nose and overall I graded it for the true surprise that it was.
Apr 26, 2020
3.93 by rorjets from Connecticut on Jan 24, 2020
3.87 by insouciantx from New York on Jan 22, 2020
4.26 by evanwoertz from California on Oct 19, 2019
4.04 by heymikew from California on Sep 18, 2019
3.5 by eldoctorador from Chile on Sep 10, 2019
3.57 by Furlinator from California on Aug 11, 2019
3.92 by ben741 from Canada (ON) on Jul 21, 2019
3.85/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Amendm from Florida
A strong pour from a 12-oz. can yields a fat finger of creamy light-beige(hint of amber) foam with average retention and arches of lace. Hazy burnt amber color with small rising bubbles.
Caramel malt, baked brown sugar, spicy hops and peppery alcohol greet the nose and palate. Mild sweetness and bitterness, roasted malt is noticeable. Candied apples and baked pears "sweeten the pot" with an increased hop bite, then, a fast and clean drier finish. A mild astringency and hop bite linger. Medium body, plenty of reserved carbonation, a little boozy. True to style, easy drink. Almost sessionable, two-three for me.
Jul 03, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Amendm from Florida
A strong pour from a 12-oz. can yields a fat finger of creamy light-beige(hint of amber) foam with average retention and arches of lace. Hazy burnt amber color with small rising bubbles.
Caramel malt, baked brown sugar, spicy hops and peppery alcohol greet the nose and palate. Mild sweetness and bitterness, roasted malt is noticeable. Candied apples and baked pears "sweeten the pot" with an increased hop bite, then, a fast and clean drier finish. A mild astringency and hop bite linger. Medium body, plenty of reserved carbonation, a little boozy. True to style, easy drink. Almost sessionable, two-three for me.
Jul 03, 2019
3.5 by DoctorRobert1969 from California on Jun 09, 2019
4 by bdlusa from Texas on Jun 02, 2019
3.87 by desint from Belgium on May 18, 2019
4.23 by Fuzzycuffs from Oregon on May 18, 2019
3.74 by ItsBeer4Me from Pennsylvania on Apr 20, 2019
4 by Bryan12345 from Texas on Mar 22, 2019
3.77 by Peter_M_Morris from California on Mar 15, 2019
4.39/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by German-Helles from Wisconsin
120z. bottle poured into a 20oz. weizen glass delivers a full two fingers of soft white foam with the amber shade. The head of foam lasts for minutes and really never disappears. The carbonation looks very nice in the glass.
The aroma is a little bit of hops.
The taste starts with the hops, then the sweet caramel flavor, I can't say it's bitter, maybe just a bit dry.
There is a nice feel of carbonation, a little creamy feel.
This beer is great, hard to find in WI., but Anderson Valley Boont Amber will always be smuggled home when I return from Ca.
Mar 14, 2019
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by German-Helles from Wisconsin
120z. bottle poured into a 20oz. weizen glass delivers a full two fingers of soft white foam with the amber shade. The head of foam lasts for minutes and really never disappears. The carbonation looks very nice in the glass.
The aroma is a little bit of hops.
The taste starts with the hops, then the sweet caramel flavor, I can't say it's bitter, maybe just a bit dry.
There is a nice feel of carbonation, a little creamy feel.
This beer is great, hard to find in WI., but Anderson Valley Boont Amber will always be smuggled home when I return from Ca.
Mar 14, 2019
3.65 by Eychung from New York on Feb 19, 2019
5 by Kwright from North Carolina on Jan 22, 2019
4.02 by TeachChefs from Pennsylvania on Dec 17, 2018
4.79/5 rDev +24.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by tucsonmac from Arizona
Just a very tasty amber ale that is enjoyable any time to drink. Defiantly Bahl Hornin
Dec 01, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by tucsonmac from Arizona
Just a very tasty amber ale that is enjoyable any time to drink. Defiantly Bahl Hornin
Dec 01, 2018
3.61/5 rDev -6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by MKV from Belgium
Warm caramel nose. Reddish brick color. Medium bodied but clearly trying to be more full bodied. Caramel and malty flavors dominate a pleasant and slightly sweet palate when drunk on its own. However, it interacts poorly with food and should not be drunk with a meal.
Nov 17, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by MKV from Belgium
Warm caramel nose. Reddish brick color. Medium bodied but clearly trying to be more full bodied. Caramel and malty flavors dominate a pleasant and slightly sweet palate when drunk on its own. However, it interacts poorly with food and should not be drunk with a meal.
Nov 17, 2018
3.77 by sokol_1993 from California on Nov 05, 2018
Boont Amber Ale from Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
1641 ratings