Mac and Jacks African Amber Ale

Brewed by Mac and Jacks Brewing Company
Style: Amber Ale
Redmond, Washington USA

best amber ive ever had!! its hoppy and dark, its great. the dry hopping does wonders for this beer!!!!!!

Unfiltered, for sure, as it pours opaquely, a rich russet, far darker than I’d expect of an amber, light orange at the foot and along the sides. The head is puffy, bone-white, a solid half inch and holds well. Very attractive glass of brew! Nose is lightly laced with hops and amped up with sweet malt. Slightly candyish, and aplomb with fruit, soft citrus, grapefruit and tangerine, orange rind and lemon zest. Exceptionally inviting! Clean entry on the palate, but loaded with flavor, urging the lips to meet the cup again, for a deeper examination. Hangs full in the mouth, then floods the gates with deliciousness, same flavors found in the aroma spilling out. Body is medium, mouthfeel is smooth, while tangy and tasty. Finish is lighter than I normally prefer, but seems just right for the style. I understand why ambers are favorites among many people and the one that hits the right medium can became "the best beer in the world!" to those folks. There’s a lot of them, and I can see why this one can easily be Washington’s answer to New Belgium’s Fat Tire, Anderson Valley Boont Amber, and so many others. I would drink it up like crazy, if there were no IPAs or Stouts vying for my attention.

I consider myself a refined beer drinker. I used to live in Seattle and now reside in MN. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a Mac and Jacks African Amber and it was by far my favorite beer to date. The carmel is a nice twist and the bitterness of the hops is pleasantly sublte. My ONLY dissapointment is I can not purchase this product in a bottle. Still trying to find a way to line myself up with a KEG and somehow get it shipped out here to MN.

Absolutley perhaps my all time favorite. Mac and Jack’s has everythng I love in a beer, nice color and aroma, plus refreshing hoppy bite at the end from the centennial hops. If it came in a bottle, I’d be broke.

Pours a nice hazy orange. Aromas of caramel, hint of fruit and hops. Nice creamy malt taste with a nice hop bitterness.

Many years ago (I’m guessing it’s close to 8 now), when I first tried this beer, I thought it was wonderful. Fruity, great hop/malt balance, very interesting. Then, about 4-5 years ago, I got a pint, and it was very disappointing. I thought the keg had gone bad, so I sent it back. Next time, different bar, same result. I don’t know if they changed their recipe, but the balance was totally gone and it was very bitter. If they did change it, I wish they’d change it back.

A smooth, rich, African Amber with no equal (at least, so far). Certainly the absolute best of the Northwest!

I don’t want to dissect this stuff. It’s just a lights-out treat up here in MicroHeaven. It delivers that citrusy/caramel/toast/cherry/herb thing every time, in every setting, with a startling intensity and freshness. I run a wine shop that sells specialty beers and, to a person, my customers moan loudly about this stuff not being available in bottles. Me, too. I’d sell the heck out of this, if I had it. Luckily, I’m only 200 yards from a pub that serves it. Great amber.