Coming into Kam-loops and the cabbie, commenting on the recent wildfires, says to me “no more smoke in town” as we drive by a Cannabis store on every corner.* Alanis would call that ironic, whether it was or not.** The “Loops” is a mining and railroad town, and also has it’s fair share of great pubs and breweries including Alchemy. I saw the name amber on the can and had to bring this one home with me, I do love me an amber.
But as I opened this brew I began to wonder if this was a mislabeling. It wouldn’t be the first time we have dealt with a case of mistaken identity, or the second time, or the third time for that matter. The reason for my ruminations started at the start, where things often do start. An approaching amber pour, but not quite, more a pale ale with a boil of toil and trouble bubbles. An aroma of fruit and hops. Where’s my malt? Caramel left for the California coast. Speaking of California, this does taste a bit like a hopped up Cali Common. But more like a pale ale or a session IPA. Perhaps of the American Amber Ale ilk, but this ambushed amber ain’t the amber that I was anticipating.
Come to think of it, anecdotally and coincidentally, Flying Monkees “Raving Loops” is another light hearted and untraditional amber.
Don’t get me wrong, it tastes good. Easy drinking with a light mouthfeel. It has some subtle tropical juices combined with hoppy bitters. A warm weather endless summer in the Loops refresher. More reminiscent of a session IPA then an amber but viva la difference. I do love me an amber but I quite enjoyed this beer too, whatever it was.
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