Boont Amber Ale

In another round of raiding the local Trader Joe's market down the street (a chain of stores that doesn't care if you break up a six-pack to purchase singles), I grabbed this Anderson Valley Amber Ale on a whim. And although it took a while for me to warm up to this, I'm glad I stuck it out. Tasty, indeed.

Even when I had served this entirely too cold, the aroma was nice and floral, showing off both the malt and the hops in the nose. Of course, once I let it warm up to proper ale-like temperatures, things certianly improved.

Same-same for the flavor profile. While at first I didn't really kare for the semi-sweet maltiness of the finish, things balanced out for the better with some time and paitence. That is to say, the hops caught up to the malt as the beer warmed up a touch, providing the finished product a much more interesting vibe.

But while I can't say that this is my favorite American Amber Ale -- still a bit harsh in the mouthfeel and drinkability, IMO -- it is worth checking out for the bargain-basement prices I see it being sold for. And with all of the Anderson Valley beers that I've had so far, even their most medicore efforts are better than many other breweries from around the country.

Recommended.
//TB