Ma
Tree House Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Tree House Brewing Company
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Red Ale - American Amber / Red
Ranked #4 - ABV:
- 6.8%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #6,341 - Avg:
- 4.1 | pDev: 7.56%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 04, 2021
- Added:
- Mar 28, 2013
- Wants:
- 33
- Gots:
- 112
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
In commemoration of our head brewer and co-founder’s grandmother’s birthday, we have once again brewed this super fruity yet balanced amber ale! Hints of oranges, tangerines, and stone fruit grace the palate before a sweet malty caramel character provides balance and depth. A real treat that drinks well on any occasion. Happy Birthday, Ma. We love you!
Ma is a very special amber ale brewed in remembrance of Nate’s grandmother. A fiery Irish spirit who imparted deep values of dedication to family and love, Ma was one of a kind. This beer mirrors her spirit with bright notes of citrus, pine, and soft fruit boosted by a rich caramel base and a medium body. A wonderful beer to celebrate the New England transition to cooler weather. We encourage you to drink to honor Ma, and to those whose souls we carry deep in our hearts.
Ma is a very special amber ale brewed in remembrance of Nate’s grandmother. A fiery Irish spirit who imparted deep values of dedication to family and love, Ma was one of a kind. This beer mirrors her spirit with bright notes of citrus, pine, and soft fruit boosted by a rich caramel base and a medium body. A wonderful beer to celebrate the New England transition to cooler weather. We encourage you to drink to honor Ma, and to those whose souls we carry deep in our hearts.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.73/5 rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by farrago from New Jersey
Pours a full three finger head, light tan in color with good density as well as retention, solid lacing ring left at the surface line. To my eyes the liquid is as amber as red, densely hazy but manages to stay translucent. The green hops hit you first in the nose to remind you with IPA specialists the apple never falls far from the tree, more tobacco ash and pine sap than malted milk ball, caramel or granola notes, not discerning any distinct fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, carbonation right-sized and adds the correct amount of creaminess to keep it fresh as well. Citrus and pine upfront, almost minty at times, here the general hoppiness better knit in. Scone, toffee, root beer notes bring it into better balance for the beer category. Then turns bitter through the finish. A stylistic interpretation. (Canned 9/29/01)
Nov 04, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by farrago from New Jersey
Pours a full three finger head, light tan in color with good density as well as retention, solid lacing ring left at the surface line. To my eyes the liquid is as amber as red, densely hazy but manages to stay translucent. The green hops hit you first in the nose to remind you with IPA specialists the apple never falls far from the tree, more tobacco ash and pine sap than malted milk ball, caramel or granola notes, not discerning any distinct fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, carbonation right-sized and adds the correct amount of creaminess to keep it fresh as well. Citrus and pine upfront, almost minty at times, here the general hoppiness better knit in. Scone, toffee, root beer notes bring it into better balance for the beer category. Then turns bitter through the finish. A stylistic interpretation. (Canned 9/29/01)
Nov 04, 2021
4.28 by DVMin98 from North Carolina on Oct 29, 2021
4.1 by 322wingedfoot from Pennsylvania on Oct 26, 2021
4.15 by Khaack from New York on Oct 26, 2021
4.22/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Rug from Massachusetts
Canned 9/29/21. “Yo yo” stamped on the bottom of the can. I get it, Yo-Yo Ma
We’re back with another deviation from TH’s typical IPA output, this time with an amber ale. This is a style that can be great if done correctly, but is also quite easy to screw up. Let’s hope that Tree House’s take on the style is more of the former than the latter but we will soon find out
Pours a turbid amber orange with 3 fingers of soapy off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing
Things are starting off promising in the nose with some spicy hop complexion, though there's also a bit of their tropical vibe running through it as well. I'm picking up on aromas of toasted red malt, piney hops, white pepper, caramel, honey, light cantaloupe, and some grapefruit pith
It sticks to more of a spice and malt driven vibe in taste, and it's definitely for the better. On the front end of the sip I'm tasting peppery hops, toasted grain, caramel malt, pumpernickel, and light wood. The swallow brings notes of piney hops, black pepper, doughy malt, toasted grain, pithy grapefruit, and rye bread
A medium body pairs with moderate zippy carbonation, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beer. Finishes off dry with a nice bready sweetness to balance the spice
This is a solid amber ale, just hopped to shit as expected from TH. Definitely tasty and easy drinking, but Maine's Zoe still remains my favorite of the style, and it will take better balance than this to dethrone that
Oct 25, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Rug from Massachusetts
Canned 9/29/21. “Yo yo” stamped on the bottom of the can. I get it, Yo-Yo Ma
We’re back with another deviation from TH’s typical IPA output, this time with an amber ale. This is a style that can be great if done correctly, but is also quite easy to screw up. Let’s hope that Tree House’s take on the style is more of the former than the latter but we will soon find out
Pours a turbid amber orange with 3 fingers of soapy off white head that slowly fades to a cap and leaves decent lacing
Things are starting off promising in the nose with some spicy hop complexion, though there's also a bit of their tropical vibe running through it as well. I'm picking up on aromas of toasted red malt, piney hops, white pepper, caramel, honey, light cantaloupe, and some grapefruit pith
It sticks to more of a spice and malt driven vibe in taste, and it's definitely for the better. On the front end of the sip I'm tasting peppery hops, toasted grain, caramel malt, pumpernickel, and light wood. The swallow brings notes of piney hops, black pepper, doughy malt, toasted grain, pithy grapefruit, and rye bread
A medium body pairs with moderate zippy carbonation, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beer. Finishes off dry with a nice bready sweetness to balance the spice
This is a solid amber ale, just hopped to shit as expected from TH. Definitely tasty and easy drinking, but Maine's Zoe still remains my favorite of the style, and it will take better balance than this to dethrone that
Oct 25, 2021
3.5 by doctorgary from New York on Oct 13, 2021
4.21 by craigbelly from Iowa on Mar 18, 2021
4.04 by Mendonka from Massachusetts on Mar 02, 2021
3.77/5 rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by johnnnniee from New Hampshire
Can from tfontana, thanks again!
Lightly hazy deep amber in color with a tightly bubbled beige head that persists. Bready toasty maltiness with bits of earthy citrus to counter.
Feb 08, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by johnnnniee from New Hampshire
Can from tfontana, thanks again!
Lightly hazy deep amber in color with a tightly bubbled beige head that persists. Bready toasty maltiness with bits of earthy citrus to counter.
Feb 08, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BEERMILER12 from Maine
A: Pours a dark ruby red/mahogany color with 2 fingers of head that fades down to a thin cap that leaves decent lacing
S: Caramel, citrus, pine, and a touch of toasted malt
T: Follows the nose. Starts off a bit fruity with some caramel maltiness. Citrus and pine stand out. Moderate sweetness balanced by some earthy bitterness. Finishes with lingering caramel and citrus
M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth
O: A very solid hoppy amber that is well balanced and super easy to drink. Candied hop/malt combo works well together. Worth a drink
Jan 19, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BEERMILER12 from Maine
A: Pours a dark ruby red/mahogany color with 2 fingers of head that fades down to a thin cap that leaves decent lacing
S: Caramel, citrus, pine, and a touch of toasted malt
T: Follows the nose. Starts off a bit fruity with some caramel maltiness. Citrus and pine stand out. Moderate sweetness balanced by some earthy bitterness. Finishes with lingering caramel and citrus
M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth
O: A very solid hoppy amber that is well balanced and super easy to drink. Candied hop/malt combo works well together. Worth a drink
Jan 19, 2021
4.5/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Ajtucker350 from Virginia
Not my fav but still amazing from TH
Jan 14, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Ajtucker350 from Virginia
Not my fav but still amazing from TH
Jan 14, 2021
4.39/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by VoodooBear from Puerto Rico
Presentation: 16 oz. can with the canning date on the bottom. Served in a Teku.
Appearance: The dense, off white, one finger head stays around for a while and leaves behind a lot of patchy lacing that covers the entire glass. It's a beautiful, slightly hazy amber color.
Smell: There's a strong citrusy grapefruit aroma followed by a delicate pine scent and a musty, malt note in the background. They all mix together beautifully to create a wonderful bouquet.
Taste: It starts with a strong, fruity grapefruit and lemon presence which is kept in check by a soft, malty caramel flavor that comes in right after. There's a soft bitterness that makes it interesting but not uncomfortable to drink.
Mouthfeel: It's full bodied, creamy and with just the right touch of medium carbonation crispness.
Overall A fantastic amber ale, plain and simple. Heaping on praise for Tree House in this day and age seems redundant so we'll just leave it at this: You'll be hard pressed to find something better, or even as good, within the style than Ma.
Jan 06, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by VoodooBear from Puerto Rico
Presentation: 16 oz. can with the canning date on the bottom. Served in a Teku.
Appearance: The dense, off white, one finger head stays around for a while and leaves behind a lot of patchy lacing that covers the entire glass. It's a beautiful, slightly hazy amber color.
Smell: There's a strong citrusy grapefruit aroma followed by a delicate pine scent and a musty, malt note in the background. They all mix together beautifully to create a wonderful bouquet.
Taste: It starts with a strong, fruity grapefruit and lemon presence which is kept in check by a soft, malty caramel flavor that comes in right after. There's a soft bitterness that makes it interesting but not uncomfortable to drink.
Mouthfeel: It's full bodied, creamy and with just the right touch of medium carbonation crispness.
Overall A fantastic amber ale, plain and simple. Heaping on praise for Tree House in this day and age seems redundant so we'll just leave it at this: You'll be hard pressed to find something better, or even as good, within the style than Ma.
Jan 06, 2021
3.79 by DucksFan16 from Tennessee on Aug 30, 2020
3.97/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by bret27 from California
Can courtesy of p025757.
L: Dark amber fluffy head with retention and lace.
S: Caramel malts, stonefruit
T: same as smell.
F: appropriate for style.
Overall: Tasty. Balanced.
Jun 22, 2020
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by bret27 from California
Can courtesy of p025757.
L: Dark amber fluffy head with retention and lace.
S: Caramel malts, stonefruit
T: same as smell.
F: appropriate for style.
Overall: Tasty. Balanced.
Jun 22, 2020
3.78 by PaleAleWalt from New York on May 17, 2020
4.25 by sgregory from Connecticut on May 14, 2020
3.87/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by brewandbbq from New Hampshire
16oz can dated 3/9/20.
Pours clear, dark copper with a big, off-white head. Unrelenting retention with fat ropes of lacing. Almost proper Belgian-level carbonation. Sweet malt with a minerally undertone in the nose. Medium bodied with a tacky mouthfeel. Malty and bitter on the palate. Finishes bitter and sweet.
May 13, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by brewandbbq from New Hampshire
16oz can dated 3/9/20.
Pours clear, dark copper with a big, off-white head. Unrelenting retention with fat ropes of lacing. Almost proper Belgian-level carbonation. Sweet malt with a minerally undertone in the nose. Medium bodied with a tacky mouthfeel. Malty and bitter on the palate. Finishes bitter and sweet.
May 13, 2020
4.08 by rjp217 from Massachusetts on Apr 25, 2020
4 by Bluesfolk19 from Massachusetts on Apr 19, 2020
3.75 by McSeal from Connecticut on Apr 18, 2020
4/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by mnj21655 from Massachusetts
Pours a clear reddish copper in color with nearly two fingers of off white head. Aroma is a little citrusy, some sweet malts, with stone fruit notes. Taste has tangerine, peach, nectarine, a little caramel malt underneath, and a moderate bitterness in the finish. Medium-light bodied with moderate carbonation. Overall a good beer, tasty and drinkable but isn’t totally what I expect from and Amber. It’s a lot fruitier than typical ambers which is in keeping with the House character of TH.
Apr 09, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by mnj21655 from Massachusetts
Pours a clear reddish copper in color with nearly two fingers of off white head. Aroma is a little citrusy, some sweet malts, with stone fruit notes. Taste has tangerine, peach, nectarine, a little caramel malt underneath, and a moderate bitterness in the finish. Medium-light bodied with moderate carbonation. Overall a good beer, tasty and drinkable but isn’t totally what I expect from and Amber. It’s a lot fruitier than typical ambers which is in keeping with the House character of TH.
Apr 09, 2020
4.5 by Piddle from Connecticut on Apr 09, 2020
4.62/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by BeerBaronBear from New York
I love you, Ma! Of Tree House's offerings that are NOT IPAs or stouts, this one's my hands down favorite (so far). The look is a clear, reddish-brown (my daughter thought it was beautiful, hence the perfect 5!). The smell isn't incredible, but the taste is wonderful. It still manages to have a lot of the fruit character present in Tree House's IPAs, but with a nice malty backbone. Very balanced and smooth. Eminently drinkable but with a ton of flavor to boot. A really great red/amber ale. Unless you're an IPA only snob, pick some up the next time you visit Tree House!
Mar 29, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by BeerBaronBear from New York
I love you, Ma! Of Tree House's offerings that are NOT IPAs or stouts, this one's my hands down favorite (so far). The look is a clear, reddish-brown (my daughter thought it was beautiful, hence the perfect 5!). The smell isn't incredible, but the taste is wonderful. It still manages to have a lot of the fruit character present in Tree House's IPAs, but with a nice malty backbone. Very balanced and smooth. Eminently drinkable but with a ton of flavor to boot. A really great red/amber ale. Unless you're an IPA only snob, pick some up the next time you visit Tree House!
Mar 29, 2020
4.21 by TheeWarPig from Michigan on Mar 28, 2020
4 by gooddaydiablo from Texas on Feb 21, 2020
4.27 by jvillefan from California on Jan 25, 2020
4.5 by Juggerr from New York on Jan 25, 2020
3.9 by BEERdedCharmer from New York on Dec 13, 2019
4.06/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by odenbr12 from New Jersey
Super crushable, love the palette. Very juicy, a great beer for when you’re sitting on the couch after working ten hours and ur watching The Office for the 80th time, and despite the fact you’re a Predictable Patty, you can still be distinct, lively, and own that distinct sense of uniqueness. That palette of this beer - this lovely array of fruit, hops and fizz - helps you feel as if you have a real control of your life. One sip everyone knows the rules.
Nov 29, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by odenbr12 from New Jersey
Super crushable, love the palette. Very juicy, a great beer for when you’re sitting on the couch after working ten hours and ur watching The Office for the 80th time, and despite the fact you’re a Predictable Patty, you can still be distinct, lively, and own that distinct sense of uniqueness. That palette of this beer - this lovely array of fruit, hops and fizz - helps you feel as if you have a real control of your life. One sip everyone knows the rules.
Nov 29, 2019
4.25 by paulish from New York on Nov 22, 2019
4.1 by Wesmaze from New York on Nov 05, 2019
4.25 by Joesapp from Connecticut on Nov 02, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by SawDog505 from New Hampshire
Poured into a 16 Nordic pint glass canned on 9/03/19. Pours a very attractive cloudy rusty ruby with a finger off white head that leaves thick streaks of lace all over the sides of the glass, with solid retention. 4.25
Smell is caramel, toffee, sweet rye, tangerine, pine, apricot, pineapple, and some hints of grapefruit rind. 4.25
Taste follows malty caramel, rye, and toffee upfront with and explosion of apricot, pineapple, and tangerine in the bold yet balanced finish. 4.25
Mouthfeel is big, soft and gentle on the palate, slightly sticky not dry, and at 6.8% big on flavor and feel, but really drinkable. 4.25
Overall I always like a hoppy red during the Spring and Fall and seriously this one is exceptional. So balanced and crazy tasty, really impressed. 4.25
Oct 02, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by SawDog505 from New Hampshire
Poured into a 16 Nordic pint glass canned on 9/03/19. Pours a very attractive cloudy rusty ruby with a finger off white head that leaves thick streaks of lace all over the sides of the glass, with solid retention. 4.25
Smell is caramel, toffee, sweet rye, tangerine, pine, apricot, pineapple, and some hints of grapefruit rind. 4.25
Taste follows malty caramel, rye, and toffee upfront with and explosion of apricot, pineapple, and tangerine in the bold yet balanced finish. 4.25
Mouthfeel is big, soft and gentle on the palate, slightly sticky not dry, and at 6.8% big on flavor and feel, but really drinkable. 4.25
Overall I always like a hoppy red during the Spring and Fall and seriously this one is exceptional. So balanced and crazy tasty, really impressed. 4.25
Oct 02, 2019
4.24 by Taycro from Massachusetts on Oct 02, 2019
3.75 by mlefebvre7 from Massachusetts on Sep 22, 2019
4 by eddiefl from New York on Sep 21, 2019
4.63/5 rDev +12.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Gatch from Massachusetts
Canned 09/03/19 “hug ‘em extra!”
Been looking forward to trying this for a while because I knew it would be near flawless. Is there any style that Tree House can’t perfect? A unique appearance, being super cloudy but with that fluffy brownish head you expect. Simply stellar balance in the nose and flavor, with that lovely, sweet malt you want and the hint of hops you hope for. The finish and feel are equally stellar, though a bit cloying. What an enjoyable Amber. Could drink this every day and like it says in the description, pairs well with one of those cooler nights in late summer.
Sep 20, 2019
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by Gatch from Massachusetts
Canned 09/03/19 “hug ‘em extra!”
Been looking forward to trying this for a while because I knew it would be near flawless. Is there any style that Tree House can’t perfect? A unique appearance, being super cloudy but with that fluffy brownish head you expect. Simply stellar balance in the nose and flavor, with that lovely, sweet malt you want and the hint of hops you hope for. The finish and feel are equally stellar, though a bit cloying. What an enjoyable Amber. Could drink this every day and like it says in the description, pairs well with one of those cooler nights in late summer.
Sep 20, 2019
4.19 by SkiBum22 from New York on Sep 15, 2019
4.33 by MJSFS from Florida on Sep 14, 2019
4.17 by Rhettroactive from Pennsylvania on Sep 12, 2019
Ma from Tree House Brewing Company
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
469 ratings