With roots planted in Europe, the Amber Ale and Red Ale category accurately describes the general color range inherent in its ale styles – from shades of light amber to dark red. As the various grains in these beers are responsible for their color, most examples lean toward a malty profile, rather than a distinctive hop profile.
Malty English ales influenced the German brewers of 1800s Düsseldorf to brew their own easy-drinking beer. In Ireland, Red Ale is a more direct offshoot of the English Pale Ale style, and the amber and red-colored ales produced by American craft brewers are inspired interpretations of these Old World beers, as well as uniquely American beer styles.
A. Altbier B. Irish Red Ale C. American Amber/Red Ale
APPEARANCEColor: Light amber to dark redClarity: Mostly clear, some hazyHead: Off white to tan with moderate retention AROMA AND TASTEMalts: Sweet, caramel and toffee-like, with hints of roast in some examplesHops: Mild to moderate in all Old and New World styles, with some strong aromas, flavors and bitterness in the American Amber/Red Ale styleYeast: Influence of strains and esters is nonexistent to moderateMOUTH-FEELConsistency: Crisp and smooth Carbonation: Delicate to creamyBody: MediumFinish: Average to long and sometimes dry
