Red Monkey “Amber IPA”
Wrecking Bar Brewpub

On-tap at the brewpub.

Pours a clear dark amber color with a cream-colored head that leaves solid lacing.

Smells of grainy caramel malts with solid amounts of pine and slightly herbal hops.

Tastes similar to how it smells, though a bit more complex. Slightly dry caramel malts up front are joined quickly by robust pine hops. Midway through the flavor profile sweetens a bit with hints of darker chocolate malts and toffee. Finally, earthy and lightly herbal hops take over near the end, carrying through to a moderately bitter ending. Mouthfeel is good, with smooth carbonation.

Overall I thought this beer had a lot going on but compared to the other beer I’ve had here it is the most in need of refinement. A solid beer, but it could be great.

"Say, CCG, why did you list this as an Amber Ale and not an American IPA?"

Because that's where I deemed it to go and we all know I'm such a creep, know-it-all, egotistical POS. But also because the Wrecking Bar Brewpub website, under Red Monkey, copy & pasted the entirety of the BJCP listing for the 10B. American Amber Ale category.

16 ounce pint - $5.50 at the Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Atlanta, Georgia.

Appearance: Served up by Bartender Ian a clearish, dark amber-toned body with a 1/3-inch of creamyish, faintly yellowed foam. Some scant lace on the way down.

Smell: A nose of earthy, sun-dried citrus peelings, some gnarled toast, a baby-sized handful of dried lawn clippings, and a muted hint of sweet caramel.

Taste: Sweet, full-on taste of caramel-coated bread that's been toasted, naturally. Fairly robust hoppiness providing a earthy, citrusy character along with some spice and grassiness. Firm, moderate degree of bitterness throughout. A dry maltiness remains fixed and unapologetic, though there's some very faint alcohol warmth and plenty of bitterness to and through the dry, earthen finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium carbonation.

Overall: It's a tasty amber, displaying a good balance between the malts and hops. A pint of Red Monkey helped cut through the richness of the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.