Mac and Jacks African Amber Ale

Brewed by Mac and Jacks Brewing Company
Style: Amber Ale
Redmond, Washington USA

on draft bellvue, washington. this is a decent second option and a step above of the macros. reminded me of a fat tire that was unfiltered and abit more robust in flavor, more of toffe malt backbone with subtle pnw hops.

August 27, 2005: On tap at Ivars in Seattle (and my 50th ratebeer contribution)

Poured a cloudy copper with a non-existant head. The aroma is fruit and floral hops; the flavor is a sweet yet well hopped, with strong notes of orange and cherry. Mouthfeel is good, and the finish is well-balanced.

What strikes me about this beer is its impressive balance between quality and accessibility. Not only is it quite a decent effort in a usually-not-so-impressive category, but also every non-beer-geek friend I’ve recommended this to has loved it.

March 14, 2007: Sometimes I can be a bit dismissive of this hometown favorite, in favor of masterful amber ales such as Drakes Expedition. I think that part of the problem is that I rarely order it anywhere that actually knows how to properly serve a beer. Rather, it tends to be a fallback option at local eateries when nothing exciting is available. Thus when I get it, I tend to get it stale, overcarbonated, and too cold. But lately I’ve been drinking these at a favorite neighborhood restaurant (Piccolo in Maple Leaf), and as poured there, fresh and served at the proper temperature. it’s truly an outstanding beer. I’m bumping my ratings up accordingly.

Nice, tasty, goes well with late night drunken conversations, platitudes, and mischieveousness. Good round ring to the flavor.

A nice unfilitered beer and I agree with n2h2o that this is one of finest beer ever. This is my favorite beer and I am really lucky to live in the same town as the brewery.

On tap at Henry’s Tavern in Portland. Cloudy amber with a medium white head. Aroma of floral hops and caramel. Flavor has notes of toasted malt, caramel, fruity berries and citrusy hops. Some moderate hop bitterness in the finish. Medium bodied with a a smooth creamy texture and subtle carbonation. Nice beer.

Cloudy orange, nice nose of hop. Slight toasted malt with a good presence of hop. Nice clean dry finish.

Densely clouded amber appearance. Rich toffee, caramel nose. Toffee/caramel palate, mild and subtly balanced. Rich flavor, smooth delivery, with mild fruity hop citrus. Expected it to be a let down after all the hype but it holds its own.

Simply one of the finest beers available!!! It is really a shame that it is only available on tap. I have not been able to find a bottled beer that is as good.