Alaskan Brewing Amber

Aroma: “Light citrus and pine hops grounded with bready crystal malt. Nice fresh malt character—toasted muffin with a hint of molasses. Toast and caramel, some dark-fruit note. Slightly sweet. Medium stone-fruit or pear esters.” Flavor: “They stick the landing—strong toasty crystal malt with a moderate hops bitterness and flavor (although the hops seem somewhat oxidized). The finish is dryish (crackery), letting the earthy bitterness come to the forefront, but it’s still pretty mild. Got a slight plastic note and some astringency in the finish.” Overall: “Very much a hops-forward amber ale. No surprises, but a solid example. Nice bready start with medium body but finishes rougher than expected with a slightly astringent finish. As a result, it comes across as slightly unbalanced.”

Aroma of caramel and biscuit with stone-fruit esters; hop bouquet of sweet citrus, pine, and tropical fruit; savory note. Caramel and biscuit sweetness hit early, balanced by a citrus-resin hop punch, followed by lightly bitter, mouth-coating finish. One-dimensional malt. Counter-punching sweet and bitter aspects work well.

**Aroma:** “Caramelized brown sugar, toffee, and vanilla notes with subtle chocolate and cinnamon notes. Pumpkin is a bit subdued, but enhanced a bit with the caramel sweetness.” **Flavor:** “Very strong and unique vanilla, caramelized brown sugar, crème brûlée flavor up front with cinnamon and pumpkin-pie spices coming through next, followed by subtle milk chocolate notes. The spices enhance the profile of this beer and complement the malt sweetness and the vanilla. Pumpkin is there, but more of a background.” **Overall:** “The spice level is excellent and the base beer supports it well. Very enjoyable and unique. The flavors blend well, and the roast and vanilla character add good complexity. Nice caramel malt character and pumpkin notes with a fun spice character.”