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BJCP 2021 / 19A

American Amber Ale

A malty-hoppy amber ale with caramel flavor and bright hop.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • amber color
  • top fermented
  • north america

Serve: 44 to 50F, Pint

OG1.120
1.045 to 1.060
FG1.030
1.010 to 1.015
IBU120
25 to 40
SRM40
10 to 17
ABV14%
4.5 to 6.2%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Caramel and toast malt
  • Citrusy or floral American hop
  • Clean yeast
Vague
Malty
Better
Caramel malt and citrus hop
Best
Moderate caramel and toasted bread with low to moderate citrus and floral hop, clean fermentation

Appearance

3 pts
  • Amber to copper
  • Clear
  • Off-white head
Vague
Amber
Better
Copper and clear
Best
Amber to copper, bright, off-white head with good retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Caramel and toast malt
  • Citrus and floral hop
  • Moderate bitterness, medium finish
Vague
Balanced
Better
Caramel malt with citrus hop
Best
Moderate caramel and toast malt, low to moderate citrus and floral hop, moderate bitterness, medium finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light to medium body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Smooth
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium body, smooth
Best
Medium-light to medium body, smooth, medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Balance of caramel and hop

Drops it

  • Cloying caramel
  • Harsh bitterness

Writing tip

Weigh caramel against hop. Example: 'Toasty caramel with citrusy hop and a clean finish. Balanced and drinkable.'

Pour these

  • Amber AleBell's BreweryCaramel and floral hop
  • HopBack AmberTröegs BrewingToasty malt and a lively hop lift
  • Cinder Cone RedDeschutes BreweryCaramel malt and a firm hop finish

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Estery: A faint fruitiness fits

Ruinous here

  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Oxidized: Stale caramel
  • Astringent: Harsh grip

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.