truegen (164), Puyallup, Washington, USA Oct 31, 2008 12oz. bottle. I remember the W’06 red ale, though I wasn’t rating beer at the time that came out, and I don’t religiously take notes like I should. This is not a traditional seasonal style, although Sierra Nevada’s Celebration is comparable. The body here is very light, and given the alcohol content, that can mean trouble. I recall the W’06 as being hoppier. Celebration ages nicely, and I’m going to try cellaring some of this. Hopefully there’s enough hops to carry it down the road. buckyp (32), Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA Oct 28, 2008 Clear, toffee pour with nice head that dissipates from frothy to thin quickly. Beautiful lacing. Nice hoppy initial aroma with hints of grapefruit and pine. Slightly spiced flavor but not overly so for a seasonal. Nice hop/malt balance as glass warms. Not overly complex. Little bit of alcohol bite at end if not finished quickly. I like it better than most other seasonal ales from regional brewers. lb4lb (2011), Austin, Texas, USA Oct 28, 2008 pours clear amber with short lived beige head. Smell is cedary and hoppy with a nice malt presence. Taste is balancedmalt and woodsy and nice. Thin body but easy drinking. Not bad biz82 (1328), austin, Texas, USA Oct 27, 2008 Clear dull red with a frothy stable head. Fruity aroma with some pear compliments strong citrus hop and and mellow caramel malt smells with a hint of roastiness. Sweet and hoppy with grapefruit and crystal mlalt flavor. A little too bitter with a bit of astringency. Decent body with low carbonation. kyzr (1120), Belgrade, Montana, USA Oct 26, 2008 Amber pour with small off-white head. Very hoppy nose with some roast. Flavor is wet and green with hops. Nice bite of grapefruit with a good balance of malt that rounds out the flavor. jake65 (1658), Williston, North Dakota, USA Oct 26, 2008 Bottle: Clear amber pour with a small, sandy head. Aroma is hoppy with citrus and sweet. Caramel. Bright and fruity. Tastes of dry florals into a sweet malt base with a bit of fruit and citrus. Lingering bitters in the trailer. I dig hoppy ambers!!! BrownDogBeer (50), Portland, Oregon, USA Oct 25, 2008 Bottle. Pours medium dark amber with a white head the lingers around. Initial smell is malty with a bit of hops peaking through. sharp hop taste with good body. Not as spicy or dark as most winter ales but is a very good amber / American Strong ale. Hides the 7.2% very well. mjg74 (1995), La Mesa, California, USA Oct 24, 2008 Bottle from BevMo. Deep amber in color. Strong hopped aroma with a hint of sweetness. Solid hoppy character. Good maltiness. Seems to be in the same vein as AB. Good solid brew. More potent than your standard amber, if it really is one.
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