My final Bell’s review for a while - Bell's Amber is GREAT
Written: Nov 19 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Like most of Bell's beers, a well-crafted, tasty brew
Cons: No longer available in Illinois.
The Bottom Line: Buy it if you can find it.
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Amber Ale |
This is the final Bell’s brew I have to review, having bought some when it was still on the shelf. Bell’s is no longer available in Illinois, because of a distributor dispute that is not likely to be soon resolved. I’ll be able to get a six pack from time to time if I get to Indiana or Wisconsin, but It’s won’t be like before, when I could go and find an extensive selection about a mile away.
Their web site describes this as their flagship beer, made with American hops and Munich and caramel malts. The abv is 6.0%
The Nose A pleasant malty aroma, almost like bread.
The Pour The epitome of amber color; a moderate, but long-lasting head. The aroma is a little less bread and a little more hoppy.
The Taste Medium mouthfeel, but very smooth. Moderate carbonation, with a slightly sweet, malty taste initially, faint fruit, joined by slight bitterness from the hops. It became more flavorful as it warmed.
The AftertasteVery faint bitterness lingered a bit and then faded out. A clean finish
Food PairingsIt’s got a medium body, so this could go with pretty much anything. It’s substantial enough for steaks and meats but balanced enough for snacks or by itself.
Final Thoughts This was a solid effort. I’m not sure whether I’m ready to anoint it as the best amber in the history of civilization, but it’s very, very good, and a whole lot better than the over-hyped Flat (err…Fat) Tire Amber Ale that came into Chicago this summer with a big promotional splash.
So, 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
Please check out my related reviews:
It was nice but now Bell’s is gone from Illinois
Bell’s Pale Ale
Three Floyds’ Alpha King Ale
Founders Rubaeus (Raspberry) Ale
Rogue Chocolate Stout
Brother Thelonious Belgian-style Ale
Goose Island Pere Jacques
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale
Founders Old Curmudgeon Ale
Founders Black Rye
Founders Imperial Stout
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout
Recommended:
Yes
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