Hello everyone.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Avalanche Amber produced by the Breckenridge Brewery located in Denver, Colorado.

The Breckenridge Brewery really needs no introduction.  They have long been associated with the craft beer movement, so let’s just go ahead and get to the website, breckbrew.com, and see what they have to say about the Avalanche Amber.

That’s what makes our Avalanche amber ale such a treat. We blend pale and caramel malts — and just a kiss of bittering hops — to create a refreshing-but-flavorful, anytime beer. Aromas of pale grains, a semi-sweet middle and a clean-as-Colorado snow finish make this our best-selling beer.

It’s been some time since I last had this brew, so let’s get it poured shall we?

This brew came in a 12 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 4.4%.

It poured a nice amber color with some burnt orange highlights around the edges.  It had a very nice clarity too.  The crown was off white, kind of small, sort of creamy and smooth.  The retention time wasn’t all that spectacular and the lacing was a little bit sparse.

The aroma presented some sweet caramel and toffee malt along with some toasted grains and hints of wheat bread.  It had a decent little earthy fragrance that established a “round” and soft profile.  The bouquet seemed to be balanced well enough and, overall, not bad at all.

The flavor discharged more of the caramel and toffee malt, however the toasted grain aspect nudged its way to the forefront and quickly became the heightened factor.  It developed a slight mineral component as well, which was paralleled by a doughy biscuit type of savor.  Nary any bitterness was to be found.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Smooth, not quite dry, yet mostly crisp.  A good, medium strength carbonation was to be had, however not a lot of flavor was left behind after each sip.

Well, this beer wasn’t bad.  I found it to be a brew that could be a great introductory beer for someone just getting their feet wet when it comes to craft beer.  It had a killer drinkability and with the somewhat lower ABV I believe that a person could have several of these and be quite content without getting too overwhelmed with flavor.  It has a bit of complexity for some discussion and it would be totally fine for the Fall season, however the Breckenridge Avalanche Amber is not necessarily a “world-class” beer in my opinion.  Just to be clear, it’s nowhere near horrible and it’s absolutely worth a try if you have yet to do so because I think it could make for a great time with friends when just wanting to drink a no frills, easy going beer.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  3.35 out of 5
Grade:  B-