Austin Amber Ale Review

Brewery: Independence Brewing Co. | Beer: Austin Amber Ale
Style: American Amber Ale | ABV: 4.9%
Serving Method: 12oz. bottle poured into pint glass

This is Independence Brewing Co.'s flagship beer: an amber ale that draws heavily on the company's Austin appeal. The label design is brilliant, basing itself on the city's famous Greetings From Austin mural on South First Street. I've seen Independence's offerings increasingly in my local shops over the last year and I could resist this beer (or is it the label?) no longer.

Or maybe I nicked a six-pack from the brewery owner at my dad's 50th birthday party a few months ago and I'm just getting around to trying it out. It's a mystery. I love both amber ales and Austin, so expectations are somewhat high for this beer.

Appearance: Huge foamy head on top of a thick golden-brown body

Aroma: Citrusy and malty with hints of light hops

Taste: Very much an amber ale with a malty taste with subtle hop undertone

Mouthfeel: Moderately fizzy and sharp with a clean finish

Drinkability: Very easy to drink, I can see drinking this beer outside throughout a long Summer's day

Verdict: Not a bad attempt. It's surely no Fat Tire, but a very tasty and drinkable amber ale none-the-less. I'm delighted that both this company and this beer hold up to the lofty expectations its brilliant design ignited in me.

Grade: B+