Dark Horse Brewing Co.’s Amber Ale

Dark Horse Amber Ale

Dark Horse Brewing Company, Marshall, MI

amberaleHistory:Let us introduce the “red headed step child” (no offense) of our beer portfolio. This beer is commonly over looked and is a true Ninja of a beer. While the malt and hops give this beer  an amazing copper color, medium body, and a smooth mouth feel, it’s the yeast that sets this one apart from other amber ales. Inspired by almost everything from Belgium (beer, women, mussels) we thought it would be cool to give our Amber a little Belgian love. So we used a yeast that is ALMOST like a Belgian yeast strain. You’ll notice it in the aroma but mostly in the flavor. Mild hints of light fruit and clove are present at the very end of the sip,  just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

This is such an absolutely beautiful example of the Amber Ale genre. It’s a rich, slightly cloudy brew with the reddish bronze color you really hope for when pouring a fine Amber. Once poured, though, there is very little in the way of head, and this is fine since often to large a foam cap can hang around quite bitterly on an ale. Once swirled and opened up, the scent is unmistakably fruity with a little vanilla in the nose. And yes, in the back, like a shy little kid, cloves and coriander.

In the mouth it’s quite smooth and rather rich with it’s permeating fruitiness. The spices are certainly there in the swallow and the lingering notes in the back of the throat. It’s comfortably yeasty and only the slightest bit malty, but each note melds well to make quite the lovely harmony. It’s a very nice mixture that’s just complex enough to make you stop and savor for a moment before the next sip.This beer has that, “sippin’ on a summer’s night’ quality that’s so nice when hanging out at a barbecue with friends. Quite nice indeed.

Rating: * * * *
A Nice Representitive Of The Amber Ale Family, Yet Just Different Enough To Be An Odd Relation.