21 of the Best Amber Ales, Blind-Tasted and Ranked

Learn about how we rate & review beers with our BJCP blind panel here


F.X. Matt Brewing Company Saranac Pumpkin Ale (79)

“A hearty ale brewed with pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger with a full body and amber color.”

Omission Beer Pale Ale (79)

“Bold and hoppy, Omission Pale is a hops-forward American pale ale, brewed to showcase the Cascade hops profile. Amber in color, Omission Pale’s caramel malt body complements its floral aroma.”

Portland Brewing MacTarnahan's (80)

MacTarnahan’s is a copper-hued amber ale dry-hopped with Cascades from the Northwest. Bright, crisp, and complex.

Brasserie de Rochefort Trappistes Rochefort 6 (85)

“Reddish-brown color with amber-gold highlights; soft body leads to earthy flavors and an herbal character. Refined, soft spiciness in the bouquet finishes with a bit caramel. Bottle-conditioned for soft natural carbonation.”

Grand Teton Brewing Teton Ale (86)

A classic American-style amber with a rich copper color and smooth finish.

Four Saints Brewing Potter's Clay (86)

Our take on the American amber: malt-forward caramel sweetness with a bit of hop bite on the back, though not hoppy.

Perrin Brewing Company Anniversary Amber Ale (87)

This deep, complex, malt-forward amber ale has notes of gooseberries, black currant, and a pleasant hop aroma.

Breakside Brewery Fall Apple Ale (87)

Lightly smoked amber ale with a kiss of mulling spice, blended and re-fermented with freshly pressed apple juice.

Maplewood Brewing Company Royal Tannenbaum (87)

Brewed with dark and toasty malt, hopped with Citra, Chinook, and Cascade Cryo, with Colorado-grown spruce tips incorporated in the dry hop.

West Sixth Brewing Co Amber Ale (88)

“Malt-forward but balanced. Biscuit malt flavors and fruity hop notes.”

Full Sail Brewing Co Amber Ale (88)

Malty sweet, reddish-amber hue, medium-bodied with a spicy, floral hop finish.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Seeds Take Up the Soil (88)

“Celebrates the sweet potato and the story of agriculture and people from Africa to the South.”

Boulevard Brewing Long Strange Tripel (88)

“A golden-amber colored, full-bodied beer with an intense fruity aroma of bananas, a prominent sweet malt flavor containing a hint of toffee, and a low to medium citrusy hops flavor and bitterness.”

Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven La Trappe Quadrupel (89)

“La Trappe’s heaviest ale with an amber color. Aromas of banana, almond, vanil- la, and others. Its warm, intense flavor is rich and finely balanced. Malty sweet, slightly burnt, and pleasantly bitter with a sweet aftertaste.”

Boulevard Brewing Co Pale Ale (89)

“Caramel malts impart a rich flavor and amber color, while liberal use of Cascade hops adds zest and aroma.”

Ghostfish Brewing Company Lunar Harvest Pumpkin Ale (89)

"Golden amber in color, light body with subtle creaminess, flavors of pumpkin pie, sweet malt, fall spices, balanced with fruity esters from Belgian Ale yeast and a touch of hop bitterness."

Casa Agria Specialty Ales Traut Lager Bier (89)

“Vienna-style amber lager with a complex malt flavor, light body, and refreshing finish.”

Hop Butcher For the World Satan's Mile (90)

Amarillo, Chinook & Mosaic-hopped red India pale ale.

Silver City Brewery Ridgetop Red (91)

Full-bodied and smooth, with a sweet caramel flavor balanced with Northwest Liberty hops for a refreshing finish.

Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice (91)

“Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, the creamy nish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share during the cold days and long nights of winter.”