Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale

Brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company
Style: Amber Ale
San Diego, California USA

ruby red amber in color with a white head that was some what bubbly. hoppy aroma and could smell all of the ingredients. lacing in the begining and was full bodided. a little citrusy and sweet underneath the bitterness from the hops.

EBF08. Pours amber with a small white head. Aroma is malt, caramel and light citrus. Flavour is malt, and grape and citrus hop.

Sampled at 2009 Bruegala. I was looking forward to trying this highly rated Amber. Poured cloudy dark amber-orange with a small yet frothy off-white head. Giant caramel and toffee nose with some light roast. Moderately sweet flavor, a touch dry with bittersweet chocolate and moderate grain. Very dry finish with notes of pumpernickel bread. Did not disappoint.

Bruegala 2009 sampling - Pours a clear amber color with a small white head that leaves good lacing on top. Aroma is a heavy toffee, toasted, roasted and slightly burn malt note with a nice lemon and floral hops note with a sweet toffee ending. Flavor has a note of chocolate and coca powder with a pronounced caramel sweetness. Med. body with a very creamy texture but finishes pretty dry. Overall one of the better amber ales I have had in my rating history.

Bottle. Totally solid amber ale. Again, not exactly what I would expect out of San Diego, being a somewhat well balanced beer (compared to say, Levitation, with a higher than usual hop dosage). Another thumbs up from the Point.

I thought this beer was great. Mild body and a smooth brew start to finish. My first taste of Ballast Point, can’t wait to try more.

12 oz bottle. Pours a redish-amber color with a small white head. Aroma is malty, with nuts, toastedness, citrus hops, floral notes. No complaints - not bad.

Bottle in the rake. Alround rating: Caramale, caramalt, typical amber ale malty character, bit of pepperyness and fairly drinkable.