Alaskan Brewing - Amber

As far as many of my beer drinking friends are concerned, this is the beer that Alaskan Brewing has built its name on.  Their Amber is known across the country.  My roommate in college, who is from Alaska, buys this beer in bulk, at a premium, and online, so that he can taste it once a year.  Both he and I lived in an area where Alaskan Brewing did not distribute to until about a month ago.  And that's when my outlook on this brewery changed.

I had never tasted Alaskan Amber prior to them shipping to MN.  The hype around their arrival was palpable.  Local bars were doing tastings, men were sacrificing their first born to be the first to get their hands on Alaskan's Amber... it was nuts.  But a month after its arrival, what is the feeling of most Minnesotan craft beer lovers now?  Well, since I'm too lazy to do a survey we will never know.  However, I do know that this is the second six pack I have purchased, and I know Dunz has procured a few sixers of Amber in the past few weeks, and we rarely buy the same beer more then once since we enjoy tasting a variety of beers.  So that must mean something, right?

Alaskan Amber is classified as an Altbier which, by style definition, is malty, with little to no hop aroma, and smooth since its lagered.  This should be a very clean tasting beer.

My first observation after disposing its stubby, twist-off capped bottle, is of its color.  Perfectly clear with a bold, rusty amber hue and light tan head.  This is what all craft beers should look like.  A+ for presentation.  A grainy, malty aroma is all that is present here.  Nothing too complicated.  Caramelized malt with hints of chocolate and black tea meld their way into this creamy brew.  Carbonation is laying low and alcohol is on vacation.  All six of these could disappear instantaneously.  An easily drinkable beer, no doubt about it.

Overall - By far, my favorite in their current line-up within MN.  We have reviewed their Summer Kolsch and IPA since they started shipping out our way.  But in my opinion, neither match the quality and accuracy to its stated style like this amber.  Well done Alaskan Brewing.  Maybe sometime soon you will start sending us your Smoked Porter?  Here's to hoping... Cheers!


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