ENDEAVOUR BREWING: 2012 RESERVE AMBER ALE

2012 RESERVE AMBER ALE - 5.2%abv

INGREDIENTS

Hops: Topaz, Summer

Malts: Gairdner Pale Pilsner, Crystal, Chocolate

IBU's - 26

Colour - 37 EBC

Gravity - 1015

E: Hazy, amber red with a copper hue, foamy head that dissipates quickly.

N: Dried fruitcake on the nose first followed by a sweet firm malty aroma leading to spicy resinous tones. 

P: Bold toffee and caramel malt characteristics hit the palate first, followed by a hefty punch of bitterness, the spicy hops take hold working with the dried fruit flavours, balancing  the beer well.

M: Lengthening bitterness with a brandy-like alcohol finish.  Moderate carbonation

FOOD PAIRING

Lots of malt characters mean this is a beer that cries out for red meats and rich cheeses.  The caramel flavours in the beer will complement the caramelised fats in the red meat, providing a further sweetness to balance out the bitterness and contrast against the spicy resinous hops.  For cheese, I would go for a nutty, vintage cheddar.  Not too overpowering, but one with a moderate amount of saltiness and bite that doesn't mask the fruit notes but allows them to prevail.

OVERALL

Endeavour Amber Ale is a complex beer that is beautiful in colour as it is flavour.  Bold in malt flavours with a lovely resinous spicy bitterness that balances the beer, leaving a lingering bitterness.  The use of Topaz hops adds lots of bitterness to the brew whilst providing aromas of tropical fruits.  An unusual mix of fruity hops and chocolate, biscuity malts means this ale is a real winner.