Cranky Reviews

Our National Amber?

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

Our National Amber?

Canadian Amber

Big Rig Brewery

5.2% Alcohol

This time Big Rig is haulin’ Canadian Amber right across our great country, from sea to sea to sea. That statement might not survive a fact check but it sure sounds patriotic doesn’t it. I am not too sure how far this beer is getting hauled but I do know I hauled one from the LCBO to the beer fridge, and then into my glass. They tell us this amber is the “True North strong and tasty”. Maybe these are the lyrics to O Kanata?* Perhaps this should be our National amber? It will have to pass the taste test to earn that lofty moniker.

First of all, in case you haven’t heard, I love me an amber. And I have enjoyed a Big Rig brew on occasion. So a cold Big Rig amber with a Leafs come from behind OT victory set the mood and the stage for this tasting. As I was watching the game I got thinking about what I would do when hockey season ends, but I quickly realized my worries were unfounded. Hockey season ends, fishing season begins. Coincidence? I think not.

A umbra of an amber, a shade reminiscent of an English brown. Malt and slight sweet coming in the air tonight, oh lord.** First taste is strong malt, almost malt liqueur, more than I was expecting but now I’m expecting it to settle a bit. Lots of flavour, a bit harsh at first but it’s smoothing out a bit.  As it warmed there are some caramel notes in the refrain.

Big Rig, big flavour. A robust amber, not what I would call smooth, but certainly tasty.

*Editor’s Comment: Big Rig Brewery is based in Kanata, Ontario.

**Editor’s Comment: From the 1981 song “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.

Final Rating: Lots of Flavour to Savour at 14 out of 20

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

Other Info

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