Alcatraz Amber
San Francisco Brewing Company

Amber color. It actually tastes like cherries to me. Minimum carbonation. It’s silky and smooth. I don’t know that it’s my style but I like it. Easy to drink

 

Seeking brewers I hadn't tried while visiting the Bay Area at least 8 times during the 13 years of SFBC's life, Alcatraz Amber somehow is my first from SFBC. So I went on their website. Situated at Fisherman's Wharf and naming their brews after SF's tired hackneyed attractions such as Alcatraz and The Cable Car (I lived here for a decade in the previous Century), I assumed clever marketing but average beer. Instead, both were good.

On tap at SF's airport, I was not prepared to drink a 21 ounce glass before lunch (I drank less than half to support my campaign to bring back the 12 ounce can.) Alcatraz looks average: could have more foam and activity, but is a pretty amber as the sun comes in as I overlook the airport and 101, waiting. Smells improve as I'm picking up a complex malt bill that has been roasted. And the roasting is skillful and the brew is balanced. Just right for a malt-head like me who things this style often is too-heavily hopped. Medium-mouthed to light.

So SFBC is yet another husband-wife team. What distinguishes their hard work is some luck. As we know, Anchor Brewing has disappeared on the radar screen as SF's icon. SFBC is slipping into that role. For all the above, I give them very good Overall Hugs.

 

Draft at brewery in San Fran Ghirardelli Square!

 

 

 

Draft: Poured an amber color ale with a medium size foamy head with some OK retention and light lacing. Aroma of light caramel malt is pleasant. Taste is dominated by light caramel malt with light residual sugar notes. Body is about average for style with good level for carbonation. Nothing earths shattering here but enjoyable amber ale with good drinkability.

 

Had at Cioppinos in San Fransisco. Decent brew but nothing to write home about. A bit on the watery side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not much of an amber drinker, but I really liked this one. Not too sweet or malty.