Laughing Dog American Amber

Bottle: Pours a dark mahogany burnt amber color, thick off-white head that’s very creamy and retentive. Aside from the Hot Chihuahua, all of Laughing Dog’s beers so far have had amazing head retention. The nose on this one is very nutty with an earthy toffee and lightly buttery note. It’s so full and rich in melanoidins! On a stretch, you can get some diacetyl, but it blends so well with all the other caramel malts in the nose. On to the flavor; lightly metallic with a pinch of bitterness crowds around all that maltiness and mocks it. The malt body is amazing for such a typically simple style. And swaying toward the malty side is certainly no the usual you get in good ambers, usually it’s to the hops (i.e. African Amber). Finishes balanced, a bit tangy from the hops. Very good!