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Liberty Ale
Anchor Brewing Company
- From:
- Anchor Brewing Company
- California, United States
- Style:
- American IPA
- ABV:
- 5.9%
- Score:
- 87
- Avg:
- 3.88 | pDev: 11.6%
- Reviews:
- 1,601
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Dec 14, 2023
- Added:
- Nov 18, 2000
- Wants:
- 107
- Gots:
- 485
The champagne-like bubbles, distinctive hop bouquet, and balanced character of Liberty Ale® revives centuries-old ale brewing traditions that are now more relevant than ever. First introduced in 1975, Liberty Ale® is brewed strictly according to traditional craft brewing methods, and uses only natural ingredients — pale malted barley, fresh whole-cone Cascade hops and a special top-fermenting yeast, and water.
The yeast used during fermentation produces many of Liberty Ale's subtle flavors and characteristics. A natural process called "bunging" creates gentle carbonation, and the practice of dry hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging), revived by Anchor, creates its unique aroma.
Liberty Ale® was first brewed to celebrate the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s historic ride. As the first modern American IPA brewed after prohibition and the first modern American single-hop ale and dry-hopped ale, Anchor’s Liberty Ale® is the original craft brewed ale and the historic beer that started a revolution.
The yeast used during fermentation produces many of Liberty Ale's subtle flavors and characteristics. A natural process called "bunging" creates gentle carbonation, and the practice of dry hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging), revived by Anchor, creates its unique aroma.
Liberty Ale® was first brewed to celebrate the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s historic ride. As the first modern American IPA brewed after prohibition and the first modern American single-hop ale and dry-hopped ale, Anchor’s Liberty Ale® is the original craft brewed ale and the historic beer that started a revolution.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by blitz134:
Reviewed by blitz134 from California
3.98/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
3.98/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Nice light yellow orange body with a white head on top which slowly disappeared to a thin layer of bubbles. Aroma is loaded with hops which range from grapefruit to a nice resin pine aroma. Overall very typical hop profile from a west coast pale ale. There is also a nice malty sweet balance. The flavor has less of the grapefruit flavors and more of the pine resin aspect. Finish is slightly bitter. Mouthfeel is medium, not as thick and oily as some, but definitely coats better than others. This is a typical session beer of mine so of course its highly drinkable. Definitely a classic.
Mar 02, 2005More User Ratings:
Reviewed by BeerGeekExtraordinaire from Illinois
3.5/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
As always, my caveat: I rate the way I do on Untappd.
I was able to snag an Anchor variety pack that has Steam, California Lager, Tropical Haze and Liberty Ale.
As I understand beer history, this was one of the first craft IPAs released. It's a good beer, but unfortunately, by today's standards, it's barely a pale ale. Edited to add: According to Anchor's own web site: "Now known as the first American Pale Ale and the beer that started the IPA movement".
Poured into my Sam Adams glass, deep gold. It's got a little bit of malt character, and a decent amount of hop bitterness, but this beer gets lost in the competition. There's nothing really remarkable about it.
Aug 16, 2023I was able to snag an Anchor variety pack that has Steam, California Lager, Tropical Haze and Liberty Ale.
As I understand beer history, this was one of the first craft IPAs released. It's a good beer, but unfortunately, by today's standards, it's barely a pale ale. Edited to add: According to Anchor's own web site: "Now known as the first American Pale Ale and the beer that started the IPA movement".
Poured into my Sam Adams glass, deep gold. It's got a little bit of malt character, and a decent amount of hop bitterness, but this beer gets lost in the competition. There's nothing really remarkable about it.
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
3.75/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.75/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I had this on draft 6/21/23 @ the Hopleaf.
See-through orange appearance.
Small white head; nice lacing remained.
Grapefruit peel & mild artisanal soap notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Grapefruit peel & artisanal soap flavors.
Solid, if unremarkable.
Jun 28, 2023See-through orange appearance.
Small white head; nice lacing remained.
Grapefruit peel & mild artisanal soap notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Grapefruit peel & artisanal soap flavors.
Solid, if unremarkable.
Reviewed by Hophazzard from California
3.49/5 rDev -10.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
3.49/5 rDev -10.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
It's to be respected for what it is, but it's not what it was anymore. Even from 10 years ago it's not the same quality as it used to be. I thought that it was just their branding that changed, but apparently not. Too bad too, it was a classic ale!
Nov 05, 2022
Liberty Ale from Anchor Brewing Company
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
3570 ratings
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