Half Moon Bay Mavericks Amber Ale

12-Mar-08 (22-oz bottle: Purchased 10-Feb-08 for $3.99 at City Beer in San Francisco, CA) This dry, somewhat malty and caramely amber ale is marred by a medium level of sourness that suggests a possible infection is setting in. However, the various degrees of metal, plastic and apple skins in the finish are also enough of a problem that it is a challenge to appreciate the core flavors of the beer. The nose is very chemical in nature, with the flaws being more apparent than in the flavor. In fact, holding my nose while the beer is in my mouth helps the flavor considerably, though the same issues are still detectable. Medium in body and carbonation, but there is a drying sensation and a slight astringency on the palate that also suggests the onset of infection at hand. In the glass, the beer appears amber in color with good, but not perfect clarity. The off-white head rises to about half an inch before settling to a thin layer, leaving some spots of lace scattered on the glass. Overall, the beer is drinkable, but because of the flaws, it’s not enjoyable, so a good portion of this bomber will now water the kitchen sink. I’ll make a note to retry this beer if the opportunity presents itself.

Well, it’s different than most ambers out there at least. Amber colored, mdoerate head, some lacing and retention. Aroma is spicy hops and bandaids. Some caramel malt notes. Medium bodied, moderate to low bitterness. Not good.

22oz bomber from Wholefoods Redwood City. Pours a cloudy amber color with a crisp white head. Smells of malt and nuts, peanut butter. Tastes nutty, like peanuts. Slightly malty sweet, but thats a secondary flavor the nuttiness. Thin body, decent carbonation. Not a great beer at all.

Draught at City Beer, San Fransisco. Cloudy brownish amber, no head. Light peach aroma. Sweet with clean mouthfeel and light body. Heavily carbonated with notes of rye and apple. Low bitterness. Simple amd sharp.