Bloomington Ruby Bloom Amber Ale

I had BBC Ruby Brown Amber Ale on draft at Yogi’s in Bloomington and again at Nick’s in Bloomington. This is my second favorite BBC ale, next to the Java Porter. This ale has a very nice copper color with a mild but nice aroma. The taste is nutty with hints of caramal and herbs. Like all BBC ale’s this has very minimal aroma.

Mild hop aroma. Fair malt flavor with a subtle hop quality that is brought out by the carbonation. Some qualities of grapefruit bitterness are present. Pours dark, clear, amber with a minor head. Moderate mouth feel.

Draught at the brewpub. We’re right in calling this a Brown Ale - definitely not an Amber. Cloudy mahogany/dark brown body. Smells...well...not really at all! Taste is light and caramelly, with some toffee and light butterscotch. Mf is sludgy, body full - too full for style. Astringent note muddied in the bg, just behind the light finishing hops. Somewhat playful, almost joyous - but nothing special.

Tap at Yogi’s. Pours a deep amber with candy red streaks. Aroma is subdued with sweet malt most prominent. Tastes of black cherry and maybe some wheat presence. A little too watery for my tastes. Very average and equally pleasant.

Clear copper body with beige head. Aroma is very mild, just a bit of caramel. Taste is medium sweet, nutty, some chocolate, light caramel, minimal bitterness. Smooth, light-medium body.