Amber Ale
Roc Brewing Company

This brew was served from the tap at Roc Brewing Company in Rochester, NY. Poured into a Rochester Beer Week pint glass, it showed a dark copper coloring, with stark reddish and orange hues when held to the light. There was a half finger tall head of creamy tan bubbles. Retention was light, leaving wet bubbles along the sides of the glass. There was a moderate haze to the beer, but no sediment to speak of. Carbonation appeared active. The nose was robust with gritty grain, with mild adjuncts, yeast, cooled caramel, and mineral. The hops to balance were equally as gritty and dirty, with cone, stem and all in a piney blend. Our first impression was that we were happy that the hop flavoring was so present. As we sipped, the flavoring opened with a grit, and rustic qualities. The hops came in quickly thereafter, with light citrus and juicy sweetness. The malts came to the peak, with coin, caramel, and a far off smoke. The finish was with more caramel and coffee malts, yeast, more coin, and a lighter balance from those same hops. The aftertaste breathed cleanly of the same coin, and light mix of deeper malts and citric hops. The body was medium, and the carbonation was average. Each sip afforded nice slurp, smack, and glug, and a light astringent coating was left around the mouth. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank easily.

Overall, what we enjoyed most about this brew was the balance, and the robust hoppy inclusions. While the flavoring was full throughout, the beer was also able to maintain a light freshness that kept it easy drinking, and the drinker coming back for more.