Sackets Harbor War of 1812 Ale

Brewed by Olde Saratoga Brewing (Mendocino Brewing Co.)
Style: Amber Ale
Saratoga Springs, New York USA

Jan. 24, 2006 -- 12 oz. bottle.

Beautiful orange/copper color; medium head with little to no lacing. Faint fruity, Magic-Hat-#9-type aroma (which I don’t really care for). Fortunately, however, this brew tastes better than it smells and has a surprisingly strong caramel/malt character -- respectably balanced by a pleasant hop taste & bitterness. Close to being an excellent brew, but no cigar.

Slightly hazy light amber. smallish white head. Grainy malt nose, minimal toastiness, mostly apple flavors. Faint earthy hops procure an easy drinking floral dryness that pairs along decently with the very grainy malt backbone. Moderate carbonation, light bodied.

(Draught) Sampled at the brewpub. Oddly less alcoholic than the "light beer"??? Fully-dissipating, white head with a copper body. Malty yet with some banana tones. Very bland.

Yes, this beer has everything j_b says it has, but it’s too Hoppy for me. Extra points for a nice label, but I’m not a hop head. Re-rate Aug. ’06’ I had this on tap at the ’Duck INN’ in 1000 Islands. It was less hoppy and more mellow. Good flavor.

This beer starts out looking like a classic amber. Nice in-between color like an amber should have, had a large long-lasting head. Pleasing aroma to start but it doesn’ t last. Lots of hops up front, the sweetness isn’t really there to balance it but has a nice mellow finish. I found it interesting the beer says it’s bottled for Sackett’s at Olde Saratoga Brewing Company.

Amber ale with a sweet malty aroma and grass. Sweet malts in mouth, with some boiled corn (DMS?). Very little hops. A little nutty in the end. Lighter bodied.

Decent label, good golden pale ale. Crackery, dry and hoppy. Very well-balanced without being terribly complex or ostentatious. Hoppy finish that builds. Very drinkable.

Orange amber bear that pours with a white head that recedes quickly. String fruity aromas indicate the fruitiness in the flavor as well. There is also a nice malt backgroung for both the aroma and the taste. A fairly well balanced beer that delivers a smooth mouthfeel.