Despite the stresses I had with the yeasts, this batch has turned out marvellously!
Everything you could possibly want in a beer… it lives up to its dream of an American Amber Ale in a British Ale style. Its bitter, but not too bitter. The Cascade hops gives it a fresh hoppy aroma, while the Goldings give it that classic British Ale flavour. And clearly, the specialty yeast has added to the malty taste.
Its a little redder than I was going for – that would be the crystal malt grains. Next time, I will try adding something lighter in colour, but I was working with what I had on hand anyhow.
Head retention is good, and probably better than anything I’ve done in the past.
Fellow tasters have said its the best one I’ve done so far, and I have to agree – except for me my personal fave has been the Red Ale and my first attempt at Amber (both were quite sweet). But I do feel this one rises above them because the characteristics are more distinct than in previous brews.
This of course paves the way for the next batch of Partial-mash/extract brewing, where I will make another version of the Happy Pils.
