What do y'all think is the closest beer to Breck's Avalanche, pre-Bud shenanigans? I haven't had that beer in loooog time. Got a customer who drank Avalanche for years, but noticed it lost some character "about a year or so ago" (no kidding, I say). He didn't like Levity or 90 Schilling or Declaration Scottish or Alaskan amber/alt or Dry Dock amber or Fat Tire. He said the best amber he's every had was Steelhead's amber out in California. (but I think from Wisconsin??) Thanks!
By default I'd say - Wynkoop Rail Yard due to the similar ABV and the fact that they were a joint-venture with Breck pre-Bud. Or maybe Ska Pinstripe? or Comrade REDCON? Or have him/her try Rock Bottom's, C.B.Potts, or any of the larger chain red ales.
Crow Hop's Rado's Red is a killer red ale. It's fuller in flavor than even pre-Bud Avalanche, but it's won over every red ale aficionado I've come across. A non-Colorado backup option is Full Sail Amber, but it's just a touch hoppier, I think.
I would have thought Fat Tire could have worked....though I guess I always found Fat Tire a ton chewier than Avalanche, which was never a bad beer, IMO. Full Sail seems like a solid recommendation.
Completely forgot about that. Backcountry was bought by Broken Compass late last year and who knows what will happen to Backcountry’s core beers.
The Bull & Bush Allgood and/or Tower might scratch that itch. Allgood is hoppier and Tower is maltier. I wonder if a blend might get you pretty close to Avalanche. Crazy Mountain Amber would be another. S26 Copper maybe? BSB's normal 'ol red used to be in that ballpark but I don't think they make it anymore?
yep, Backcountry Amber would have been my first pick too. For a number of reasons, including employment, I wish they were still around... Burt I'm surprised he doesn't like Dry Dock's Amber. Next choice for me is an altbier--Little Red Cap from Grimm Brothers. Obviously not an American Amber but ticks off some of the same flavor notes. I need to have a Comrade RedCon next time I'm over there...always get seduced by IPAs and big stouts.
Finkel and Garfs Dry Hopped Amber has filled the void Fat Tire vacated after they started flash boiling it. I'd say it's my favorite amber on the market right now
Good Amber that I had the other day due to this thread. It's kinda different from the Ambers I've had ...
