Beer Review: Avery Redpoint Ale

Starting off the beer reviews I wanted to choose my favorite that I enjoyed over the weekend. Avery Brewing Company was started in Boulder, CO 1993. Since then Avery has become nationally recognized, winning numerous awards for the great product that they put out.

*From the Avery Website

Beer Style: American Amber Ale
Hop Variety: Columbus, Crystal & Sterling
Malt Variety: Two-row barley, caramel 75L, caramel 120L, Munich 100L
OG: 1.052   ABV: 5.1%   IBUs: 22
Color: Amber
Availability: Year round. Six-packs, cases, 1/6BBL and 1/2BBL kegs.

Some beer lovers enjoy a rich, malty brew, while others go more for hoppy beers. Our brewmaster likes both - as evidence by this rich and caramelly amber ale with the distinct flavor and bouquet of Cascade hops. Reaching the perfect balance of crystal malt sweetness and hop bitterness took plenty of time and effort, making Redpoint the perfect beer for toasting your most recent success.

I find it odd that in the description they would describe it as having a distinct flavor and bouquet of cascade hops, but in the hop variety list cascade is no where to be found. I find it American hop like but not really overly cascade, I believe it's the Columbus and Crystal that lend it its flavor and aroma.  Well on with the review:

Appearance:  I decanted the beer lightly and it poured an amber/slighty red color. About two fingers of head with lacing on the side of the glass.

Aroma:  Caramel malt with the slightest hint of toast along with a citrus/floral hop presence. The nose is very balanced between caramel and hop.

Flavor: Caramelly malt sweetness really comes through up front while being balanced out by floral/herbal/citrus hop bitterness that finishes dry. A little bit of fruitiness, probably an ester presence from the yeast they use. Slight hint of toast is also present.

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body that is not overly carbonated making this an easy drinking yet flavorful beer.

Overall: American Amber ales are one of my all time favorite styles. This one does not disappoint. This has a great balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Although full of flavor the beer is an easy drinker and you could put back a few during a BBQ and not even notice. I would enjoy if there was a little more hop flavor and a little less lingering bitterness, however this does not detract much from the enjoyability. This will definitely be added to my rotation and will look towards it whenever I am craving an American amber.

Avery Brewing Company is also on blogspot and can be found here for the latest news coming out of the brewery.