Capistrano Amber Ale

01-Jun-08 (12-oz bottle: Purchased 12-May-08 for $2.09 at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA) This is a nice amber ale. It’s dry and toasty rather than sweet and caramely, and the floral and citrusy hops add nice balance of flavor and mild bitterness. Some husky character in the finish, but it’s not astringent and seems to fit just fine, even if it’s technically not desirable. The very toasty nose shows a light touch of corn husks and a hint of sourness, but the hops are barely detectable. Light-medium in body with no drop-off in the finish. Carbonation is light-medium. The beer is dry and mildly hoppy, and this makes this amber ale quite refreshing on the palate. Clear and coppery-amber in color with a small, off-white head that settles to a wide ring. Only a few spots of lace stick to the glass. Fairly simple overall, and a bit more weight wouldn’t hurt, but it’s tasty, easy to drink, and quite enjoyable.

Orange amber color with a decent white head that didn’t last. Aroma is sort of carmel wheat. Near medium body with creamy carbonation. Flavor is sort of an orangy wheat plus a slight sour. Finish iw rather dry with a bitter resembling grapefruit rind. Not very malty at all. Not really to style.

This hazy amber brew poured with a decent beige head thata dissipated quickly. It has a sour orange flavor with very little substance.

Bottle thanks to riversideAK. Pours a light orange amber, with a small white head. The aroma is a sweet malt and earthy qualities. The taste is quite light overall; some hops, a earthy sweet malt, and really light sweet candy like flavors. Thin and pretty safe. Not bad.