Some say that reds and ambers are similar but with distinct differences. Others say the moniker red and amber are interchangeable and the differences are minimal. I say I like me a red but I love me an amber. Don’t get me wrong, I do love me some reds and there are some ambers that have broken my heart. Maybe they are the same, but there is a difference.
So is this an amber or a red? Well it’s a British-Style Red Ale with the name Amber that’s a play on words and a tribute to the iconic British statue that is represented on the can, The Angel of the North. Since the Angel of the North is steel and is exposed to the elements it is rust coloured, which some would say is amber and some would say is red, when in fact it is an orange-brown.*
Based on this tasting I would say this is a red, approaching amber at times, but predominantly red. How’s that for the definitive answer.
This brew pours dark dark red with a healthy head of foam on it’s shoulders. A nice fresh malt aroma. First swig is smooth, not a big flavour, more a mild amber red style and a bit of a watery mouth feel. A touch of bitter on the backend. Not an amber not a red, more like a session red? There is a bit of carbonation in the mix too. As the brew evolved it settled in to a mild amber malt flavour, a smooth finish with a bit of fizz on it. All good, balancing out. It seems like it was knocking on the super suds door but never quite gets in.
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