Amber by Karl Strauss

Rating: 3.5/5

Amber by Karl Strauss is a 4.5%ABV Amber Lager. I got a chance to finally try this after my trip to San Diego. My friend Adrian asked to get a review of this beer. So here it is 😛

Label:

With the first batch of his namesake Amber, Karl shared a beer and a passion that changed brewing in San Diego. Imported Munich malts give our original flagship the deep bronze color and crisp toasted malt flavors of a Vienna-style lager, while Cascade hops and our proprietary yeast strain lend a smooth body and clean finish. Brewed in small batches since 1989, Karl Strauss Amber remains San Diego’s original session beer.

Karl spent his life making beer. He believed that behind every beer recipe was an inspiration, and behind every pint was a story waiting to be told. Karl Strauss Amber was his story, a story that challenged and inspired a new generation of brewers. Today we brew our own stories, while raising a pint to the man and the beer that started it all.

Specs:
Alcohol by Volume: 4.5%
Color: 15 SRM
Bitterness: 18 IBU
Availability: 24/7/365, Kegs, six-packs and twelve-packs.

Note:Formerly Karl Strauss Amber Lager, 4.2% and 16 IBU. \

After reading the information, it looks like this beer is no longer called Amber Lager. Yet because I remember trying this beer during my birthday at my friend Jorge’s as “Amber Lager” in the past, I guess the ABV does make it fit as a lager rather than an Ale. Take that Bud light!!! a beer more flavorful at only .3 ABV more. My friend Adrian did not like this beer. He says it taste like Formaldehyde….lol you be the judge. As for me, I have never tasted formaldehyde but maybe this beer would probably taste like the smell of that. Although you have to realize when it comes it Ambers, you are tasting an even combination of hops and malts. So much that it creates a hybrid that is similar to tasting caramel, pine, peanuts and in the case of New Belgiums fat tire, chocolate and biscuit bread. The whole point of this beer is to introduce a strong amount of delicious flavors while still trying to keep a low ABV. This causes the beer to seem not as strong, refreshing and drinkable. There is also some honey, light maple, grapefruit and alittle bit of butterscotch. Honestly, for me it is a decent Amber. Although I have tried better ambers, this works for those that may want to explore amber beers :P.