Amber Ale

American Amber Ale is a spinoff from the American Pale Ale style of beer and originated on the west coast. American Amber refers to copper colored ales (some are reddish brown) that have moderate to heavy body and use American hops.

History

American Amber is derived from American Pale ale and shares many of the same characteristics including a fairly high hop rate with American hops for flavor and aroma. Ambers have higher mouthfeel and body than corresponding American Pale Ales. Many are reddish in color and are also closely related to Irish red ales, except that they use more floral accented hops. American Ambers were pioneered by Craft Beer brewers on the American West Coast, but quickly spread to other parts of the country and eventually stood as a style on its own.

Description

Medium body, less malty with noticable caramel/crystal malt flavor. Medium to high hop rate with corresponding aroma. Light copper to brown in color. Fruity and estery with low diacetyl. Moderate carbonation. Slightly darker in color and more caramel flavor than American Pale.

Characteristics

• Color Range: 10.0-17.0 SRM
• Original Gravity Range: 1.045-1.060 SG
• Final Gravity Range: 1.010-1.015 SG
• Bitterness Range: 25.0-45.0 IBU
• Alcohol by Volume Range: 4.5-6.0 %
• Carbonation Range: 2.3-2.8 vols
• BJCP Category: 6B

Ingredients

• American 2-row Pale Malt
• Medium to dark crystal malt
• American hops - often citrusy
• Dry hopping for aroma
• American ale yeast
• Water may vary in sulfate and carbonate

Examples

• North Coast Red Seal Ale, Fat Tire Amber Ale, Full Sail Amber Ale, Bell's Amber, Mendocino Red Tail Ale, St Rought Red Ale, Avery Redpoint Ale, Firehouse Amber Ale

See Also

• Styles

References

• American Craft Beer Week - Amber Ale