Top Knot
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co.

a slightly hoppier than average amber ale here, not quite in the red ipa range, not enough bitterness pushing through the grain, but this is more than balanced, is super fresh and sturdy for its low abv, and hoppy in a cool way, i think they have done a real good job with this, its approachable enough for the typical red drinker, but the hops make it more crafty and intriguing, some pine resin to the profile, and its less sweet than a lot of these, nice proportions overall. high shine brick red tone to this, close to all the way clear, an inch of just off white head sits on top. the nose is kilned and toasted malts, earthy and autumnal to me, bisctuiy, bread crusts, that sort of thing, not a lot of sweetness, and the same is true in the flavor, more nutty and grounded than sugary and full, im into that. the hops are cut pine in the nose, and little more of a northwestern grapefruit thing in the flavor, could be simcoe or even columbus, but im not sure what they use. the hops mostly hit on the finish, helping it be kind of crisp for the style. this is fermented a little drier than most and i get just a slight yeast element in the taste, not english, but not invisible either. this is all very well refined, smooth to drink on, and good with a fried chicken sandwich, cuts the grease, holds up to the big flavor and the salt, and rinses the palate clean each sip. a nice red here, modern but not overly so, and well put together. frankly this is among the better beers i have had from these guys, and is far more exciting than most ambers out there. great for fall sessioning!