(512) Amber Ale - Review
To me, the amber ale is the ultimate craft beer. Why? Well, it’s an unpretentious, approachable style similar to many mass market beers and it has likely converted more people to craft beer than those first sips of face-scrunching IPAs. Controversial take? Maybe, but I stand by it, and so would most craft brewers who started their line-up with a classic amber. That’s why we always have to try one from a brewer.
This week we’re testing (512)’s Amber Ale brewed with American 2-row, Munich, and Chocolate malt all balanced by Mt. Hood hops. This simple blueprint offers 6% ABV and 36 IBU. But simple is good, especially with an amber ale, and with (512)’s reputation as an Austin, TX, original we can’t wait to dive in.
But first! An amber ale (to me) should be malt forward with a simple, balancing bitterness and layers of malt flavor from caramel, to bready, to roasted, to chocolate (or all the above!). It should be fairly clean and approachable but also hearty and filling for the working man. It’s a broad definition, but when you meet it, you know.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Copper in color and topped with a persistent off-white head.
On the Nose--Clean and malty. It actually smells a bit like a German lager, which we can thank the bready Munich malt for. And right at the end the chocolate malt comes and goes. Promising.
On the Palate--Bready and deep with a medium body and distinct dryness, almost like a long-matured lager. Amber Ale flows in smooth waves from caramel to bready to just a kiss of chocolate that plays into the mild bitterness. It finishes clean with the bitterness fading quickly, leaving a pleasant creaminess encouraging the drinker to go back for more.
Food Pairings: Amber ales have the distinction of going great with most things. Truly, for me, it’s the ultimate fall gameday beer, so pair it with burgers, brats, and BBQ. You can’t miss.
Final Thoughts:
If you can’t tell, I love an amber ale, and I really do think the style is foundational to craft brewing, though much overlooked nowadays. But good styles remain, and will always do so. Yet, there are some bad amber ales out there. Yes, it’s true, and there are a few tips I use to distinguish a good one from a bad one: Make sure the malt bill is simple, and make sure the ABV is right around (be cautious of less than) 6%. These two things assure you’re not just getting a blonde ale dressed as an amber and the higher ABV is a reflection of increased malt additions. But what about (512)’s Amber Ale?
It is very good! And I’m pleased to say so. The first thing that strikes me about it is the clean lager qualities that bring the malt and hops to the front without any muddiness. The malt bill is simple but each selection is distinct from the light caramel to the breadiness to just a touch of chocolate, and don’t forget about the pleasant creaminess that ties this beer together. The use of Munich malt is very smart—it reminds the brain of clean-drinking and strong lagers—and while I was initially worried about the chocolate malt (too much can be abrasive) it plays well with the hops adding the right amount of abrasiveness before clearing off.
I’ve always felt the amber ale is the working man’s craft beer, which it is, and (512)’s is an exceptional amber ale I will definitely be coming back to.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
If you’re looking for another Texas amber ale, check out Austin Amber from Independence Brewing.
And for those outside of Texas, check out Alaskan Brewing’s Amber Ale!