IrishBoy (2243), Bakersfield, California, USA Nov 29, 2008 12 oz bottle from GM Liquors; Nose is malty and nutty with a buttery hint; crystal clear amber with a small beige head; flavor is chestnuts, caramel, and a little diacetyl butter. very malty with virtually no hops. DarkElf (2681), La Jolla, California, USA Aug 25, 2008 <b>24-Aug-08</b> <i>(12-oz bottle: Purchased 12-May-08 for $1.89 at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA)</i> Real McCoy is deep amber in color with a very hazy, almost cloudy appearance. Creamy, off-white head shows excellent retention and plenty of dense, Braille-like spotty lacing. The highly malty nose is very toasty, also offering a fair amount of toffee and nuts, but no discernable hop aroma. Very malty on the palate as well, lots of toast, some caramel and background nuttiness, but only mildly sweet. Very light hop flavor and a touch of bitterness in the finish, but there’s a mild sourness throughout that also offers some balance against the toasty malt backdrop. Some toffee in the flavor too, though it’s not as obvious as in the nose. With as malty as the beer is, the finish is actually reasonably dry. Medium-full in body, so fairly weighty for the style, and the softly carbonated beer is smooth, creamy and velvety on the palate. Obviously an amber ale with German inspiration, this is a nice altbier, though it’s overly toasty for the style and the toffee does seem out of place. Nevertheless, this is a tasty and enjoyable beer for those who prefer malty beers. scottw86 (131), New York, USA Mar 14, 2008 Poured amber with a small white head. Aromas were of malts and fruit, but it was also floral. Some interesting malt flavors and a good amount of bitterness in the aftertaste. bhensonb (3221), Woodland, California, USA Feb 4, 2008 Bottle as Real McCoy Amber Ale at 4.5%. Aroma of mixed malts. Medium amber color with a finely bubbled beige head. Near medium body with creamy carbonation (it’s bottle conditioned). The flavor is smooth caramel malt, with a light roasted note, and a decent amount of bitter follows. The finish is about the same. Bitter builds a little with time. It seems more towards an ESB than an Alt. Good beer. joohefner (379), Isla Vista, California, USA Dec 31, 2007 on tap at Thai’d Up in Mammoth. clear amber with a small off white head. lightly toasted bread malt aromas with hints of noble hops. smooth light body, fairly crisp. grain and caramel malt flavors with a light floral hop note and ending with a little bitterness. good and well balanced, definitely tasted good with the thai food.
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