The pride of Houston
Written: Jan 31 '01 (Updated Aug 21 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: A wonderful all season ale
Cons: Can't get it everywhere
The Bottom Line: If you visit Houston, ask for it.
|
|
|
| Motokichi's Full Review: Amber Ale |
I first met the brewer Brock in 1993 at a small wine shop in Houston, where he held a small tasting to promote his upstart brewing business. This was my introduction to the St Arnolds Beers, my favorite label. There are about 80+ beers on tap at my weekend hangout, and this is the one I go back to on a regular basis.
The Amber Ale is available as a cask conditioned ale at this particular beer pub. As such, the carbonation occurs naturally in the cask. The cask conditioned Amber is a wonderful balance of creaminess, hops and sweetness. The natural carbonation produces a fine head that remains to the very last drop. The drawback to the cask is that it requires a good pour, and not all bartenders have the patience and skill necessary. Also, because it is cask conditioned, taste, body and bitterness can vary from visit to visit. To me, this is wonderful as it keeps the beer from being boring.
In draught form, the beer is a little tangier. It usually comes out of the tap a little colder than the cask and it will not retain its head as well. The hops might be a little lighter as well, and the draught might be a little more consistent. I usually find the plain draught to have less body and not as well balanced as the cask conditioned ale.
The amber is available for home consumption in bottles. It is usually best served a little warmer than pilsners - maybe 55 degF or so. The unfortunate thing about this bottle in beers is that it is mishandled. It is not kept refrigerated as recommended and I have come across some that have lost its quality. In bottles, a good sample is well balanced and delightfully good to the last drop.
I drink this beer all year around, whether its raining or blistering hot. My week is not complete if I don't get a taste of this beer. The malty character makes this beer quite filling, making it less suitable as a dinner companion for most folks. Of course, if you are on a diet, it may keep you from eating too much.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Motokichi
|
|
Location: Lake Jackson, TX
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
drink beer. ride motorcycle (not at the same time). live it up.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.