AAA Pass American Amber Ale
Arbor Ales

I wish half of the AAs that I've drank understood how to blend hops as well as Arbor has just here.
I bought AAA Pass from Merchants Beer bottle shop. I like how Arbor knew to work with the traditional Hook Norton to improve on this American style by moderating its hop excesses.

AAA opens only slightly above average, not much foam or general liveliness. Smells offer some intrigue, but it's mostly malt and, then, something else I'm wondering about. Tastes are balanced better than half of AAs and probably two-thirds as these AAA hops seem to be trained not to bitter-up the malt more than is needed to keep balance in what should be a malty beverage. Medium-mouthed. Suitable for cutting thru greasy bar food.

My first from Arbor Ales (a M&S contract brew) was almost seven years ago. In that long time period, individuals and companies should have gone through a transformation. It looks like Arbor did with their all new, consistent labels and somewhat sophisticated website. While they primarily are purveyors of hoppy ales, I'm betting they have an impact on calming crafting's bitter so that it approaches the traditional. Cheers to that !