Today’s craft beer review is of the Amber Ale (Altbier) produced by the Bluegrass Brewing Company located in Louisville, KY.

It’s always fun to sample and support a beer from my home state, so I’m looking forward to trying this one.

Here’s the description from, bbcbrew.com.

Altbier, literally translated as “Old Style” beer, is a classic German ale.  BBC Altbier is brewed with additions of Munich, wheat, caramel, and chocolate malts creating a delicate, but flavorful malt profile.  This delicious amber colored session beer is balanced with additions of traditional spicy German hops creating a light and floral bouquet to compliment its complex malt profile.  

Ok.  Let’s drink it.  

This brew poured a decent little amber/copper color with some burnt orange and yellow highlights around the bottom.  It’s mostly clear with a very light tan head.  It was slightly creamy and fluffy.  Well sized from an aggressive pour.  The retention wasn’t bad either (most BBC brews have little to no retention time).  I thought the lacing was sub-par, but it still looked fairly enticing. 

The aroma revealed a little bit of burnt brown sugar and sweet caramel.  A small trace of nuttiness was discovered along with a wheat bread appeal.  It almost seemed like it had some type of Christmas spice in the nose.  I don’t know, it could have just been me.  All of the aromas seemed to be in balance, however they were quite relaxed and abated. 

The flavor had more of the nuttiness and a tranquil bready malt.  The caramel seemed very faint with very little sweetness.  A wee bit of a roasted profile helped add a bit of intricacy.  Overall, not a whole lot going on with the taste.  Rather light and moderate.  Nothing too complex or outstanding, however nothing bad or off putting either.

The mouthfeel was medium to thin.  Mostly dry, smooth and somewhat crisp.  A touch of flavor was left behind on the palate, but not too much really.  I would have liked a bit more.

Well, this beer is nowhere near horrible, but it’s nothing to flip for either.  It’s super easy to drink, quite sessionable and made for a pleasant drinking experience, but I wouldn’t go out of the way to pick this up.  I think this could be a great “introductory” craft beer and I also think this could be best enjoyed during the Fall season.  It’s a decent no-nonsense beer.  If you see a bottle, pick it up and give it a go or better yet, go by the Bluegrass Brewing Company in downtown Louisville and enjoy a pint.  It has a great atmosphere ( I personally like the 4th Street location).

Have a great day everyone and enjoy a great craft beer.

Thanks!!!

Cheers!!!

Score:  3.35 out of 5
Grade:  B-