 BeerBelcher (709), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Apr 14, 2008
My general sense of disappointment with organic beers continued with this one. Taste and mouthfeel exhibited roughness and flavors that were reminiscent of cigarette tobacco and smoke. Every time I took a sip I was reminded of kissing a smoker or getting too near a dirty ashtray, somewhat ironic for a beer that is "organic." However, I don’t drink craft beer to drink irony, so I didn’t think highly of the experience.
The cap popped off with some force, like the beer was very pressurized. And it poured into my glass nicely enough, with an abundant sticky head and a clear-but-not-brilliant body. There was a caramel malt smell with some sweaty-sock smell, which was not unpleasant and a bit of citrus. Flavor was very different - I got a lot of tobacco flavor and some smoke and caramel malt, which combined with a very rough mouthfeel gave me the kissing-a-smoker sensation I alluded to above.
I would not recommend this beer. I bought this bottle (which was date-coded June 2008 - and a sincere thank you to the Peak brewers for providing an easy to understand expiration date) from Woodman’s in Oak Creek.
phishpond417 (1360), Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Aug 12, 2008 Pours a slight cloudy amber colour with a small off white head. Astringent mouthfeel, packed full of hops, but well balanced. Grapefruit and floral notes in the aroma. Flavors are soft citrus fruits and toast. Awesome brew.
jbuzz (449), South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Jun 30, 2008 Organic Beer Tasting at Three Cellars Milwaukee
Slightly bitter maybe some nuttyness. I would drink again if it was at a party but i dont think it is worth buying.
WISEGUY572 (1099), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
May 28, 2008 I don’t really care for Shipyard most of the time, but this is not bad. Nose of caramel and malts. Clear dark amber, small had, very little lacing. Caramel malts, moderate hopping, hoppy finish. Some nuttiness, and maybe a slight metallic note from the hops, but more sweet than dry in the finish despite the nuttiness. Thin in the mouth. Bonus point for being low alcohol.
BobNQ3X (3), Pennsylvania, USA
does not count  May 26, 2008 I’m enjoying one of these right now, and the operative word is "enjoy." Amber Ale is one of those styles that folks lose track of in the pursuit of Imperial IPA and Bigger! Faster! Louder! MORE! in their beers. It’s gratifying that at least one brewery still keeps one in their stable.
Lovely orange color with a generous light-tan head. Lacing follows the fluid level all the way to the bottom.
Aroma is fruity, with sweet malt undertones to a solid spicy hops presence.
Flavor is full, though not quite enough balance for me; the hopping is generous enough that it requires a more solidly malty backbone. Some more caramelly sweetness would firm it up nicely. Fruity as a farmer’s market in the front, then the bitterness cuts through. Finishes dry and crisp.
All in all, I like this beer. Is it the best Amber Ale ever brewed? Probably not. But it is a solid example of the style, and I would recommend it if a friend asked, "Should I?"
Davinci (258), Chicago, Illinois, USA
May 23, 2008 Deep yellow orange pour with fluffy head. Bready nose with some citrus notes, slight funk. Flavor is a little plasticy, a touch grainy as well. Finish is also grainy with a hint of lemon. This one is a little off for me.
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