Tahoe Amber Ale
The Brewer's Cabinet

wanted to make it here while we were in town, but unfortunately did not. at least i got a chance to drink one of their beers, and this was it, a somewhat basic but also somewhat distinctive red ale, a little fuller, deeper, and perhaps slightly more hoppy than many, enjoyable as a side beverage to a fine whiskey, sometimes i like red ales best in that context. this has a brick red copper look to it, a short head from the tap by the time it got to our table, didnt see it get poured, and its close to clear but not perfectly so. i get some nice kilned malt warmth right away in aroma and flavor, which are identical with this. toasted and warming without being caramelized and sweet to the usual extent, although i would still consider this off dry overall. a baked element, an earthy vibe, even light spice, teasing a pinch of rye in here, or even a darker barley malt in very small proportion, and then just enough bittering hops on the finish for this to maintain some refreshment value without it being alienating to those who dont like hoppy beer. i think the hops give it some freshness uncommon to the style, and the clean fermentation suggests it being pretty professional. faint graham cracker character in the middle too, good carbonation, and nice balance the whole way. this has a sort of rustic vibe to me overall, not at all generic but not daring in any way either. perhaps this was elevated by the nice whiskey i had with it, but if i lived here i would drink my share of this probably. hope to make it into the brewery to drink some more next time i am down that way!

12oz can, tulip, canned 7/14/21.

Just a small hiss and a thin and fast cap of pinkish brown bubbles. The color is a pretty deep amber. The can is also fun and retro, so extra quarter point for that.

Caramel malt, treacle. Really just an experience of sweetness with minimal depth.

All caramel malt sweetness upfront, really too much of it, which culminates in a burnt sugar, bitter (not in a good way) mess. Of course there’s hops, but they only provide a minimal bittering balance.

The feel is probably the most ok part of the beer. Medium light body and carbonation. Almost creamy.

What a booger of a beer.

 

Light cola to caramel brown in color. Heavy lacing. There's a fingernail of brown around the rim and covering most of the top. I smell faint caramel, but I have to search it out. I taste caramel and very forward piney hops for an amber ale. The mouth is light and easy going.