Abigail's Amber (Buddy's Ringside Amber Ale)
Watson Bros. Bistro & Brewery

Sampled (at length) at LaRosa's pizzeria. As of late February, select LaRosa's throughout the Cincinnati area will be offering the Buddy's Amber year-round, with possible plans to introduce other seasonals from Watson Brothers Brewing. As Watson Bros. in Blue Ash is a bit of a drive for us West Side Cincinnatians, I much enjoy having one of their offerings in the neighborhood.

Appearance - brown with red highlights. Small head, but holds up well, leaves solid lacing.

Aroma - malty, slightly sweet, pretty basic.

Taste - not sure what to make of this beer offered by a pizzeria chain that has Bud Light and Miller as its only other draft selections. At first sip, I am pleasantly surprised. Predictable malty beginning which I like, but then has a decent hop bite to it. Does this beer realize it is in public with like, regular people who only drink MillCoorWeiser? What's it doing having this much character and flavor? Who does it think it is?!?!?

Ahem. Good stuff! Held its own when enjoyed with a deluxe pizza. Some of the flavors lose their depth as you would expect when eating spicy sausage, peppers, onions, pepperoni, etc.

Mouthfeel - heavier than average, the bitterness sticks to the mouth more so than the malt, enhancing the balance.

Drinkability - somewhat filling, but very tasty. Adequate with most food I would imagine, and a worthy session pick as well.

A good looking brew with a reddish amber color and decent tan head. The head was retained for a short while and provided adequate lacing. The nose was very malty with little hint of balance. Taste is quite good but just a bit on the sweet side. Little hop sense. Overall a decent representative.

An overall sweet beer with just a hint of bitterness at the back of the tongue. Lots of crystal malt. An average American-style amber. Not the best beer on the menu, but drinkable.