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.
APPEARANCE
Color: Light amber to dark red
Clarity: Mostly clear, some hazy
Head: Off white to tan with moderate retention
AROMA AND TASTE
Malts: Sweet, caramel and toffee-like, with hints of roast in some examples
Hops: Mild to moderate in all Old and New World styles, with some strong aromas, flavors and bitterness in the American Amber/Red Ale style
Yeast: Influence of strains and esters is nonexistent to moderate
MOUTH-FEEL
Consistency: Crisp and smooth
Carbonation: Delicate to creamy
Body: Medium
Finish: Average to long and sometimes dry