This Watertown NY brew caught my eye. I wondered why a US brewery would name a beer after a war they lost. Turns out the US thinks they won the war of 1812. So does Canada. Historians call it a draw, a stalemate with no concessions by either side. Of course, we all know that history isn’t what happened, but what was written. And just like a lot of the reviews and rants on this website, sometimes history is in dire need of a rewrite.
The UK couldn’t care less about this war as much closer to home they were embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars. Britain eventually won that war when Wellington defeated Napoleon. This battle is described in detail by ABBA in their song “Waterloo”.*
On the local front, Laura Secord’s feat of a fleet retreat on her feet 100 years before she was known for her sweet treats saved the day for Canada.** And this beer claims that “History never tasted so good”. I must admit I was never very good at that subject in school, but history class is all in the past now.
This amber ale is a multiple award winner from 1812 Brewery. *** An amber pour with a red complexion that reflects well on it. Nice white foam head. Major malt aroma, a full frontal malt assault. The taste is complex for an amber, strong malt with some nuttiness and a caramel sweet with a touch of a hoppy presence too. As complex as a Rubic’s cube, but a puzzle I was willing to try and solve. A creamy mouthfeel with a very full flavoured malt sweet.
I think a penchant for amber is required to truly enjoy this one, and I do love me an amber. At times I found this one a bit overwhelming but once I got my bearings there was no battle involved in finishing this short and adventurous amber ale. Despite the full flavour I found this to be an easy quaff. Next thing I knew, I had its number and this beer was history.
I have a few of these brews left in ol’ beer fridge, there’s a good chance that history will repeat itself.
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