The Middle Child of Craft Beer
Amber ale doesn't get the hype. It's not as trendy as a hazy IPA, not as Instagram-friendly as a fruit sour, and nobody is waiting in line for a can release. But if you ask our staff which beer pairs with the most items on our menu, amber ale wins by a mile.
An amber ale sits right in the middle of the spectrum — enough malt sweetness to complement rich foods, enough hop bitterness to hold its own next to bold flavors, and a clean finish that doesn't overstay its welcome. It's the beer equivalent of a utility player who bats .300.
What to Taste For
A good amber ale gives you caramel and toasted bread on the nose, maybe a touch of stone fruit. The flavor follows through with toffee-like malt, a subtle nuttiness, and just enough hops to keep things balanced. The color — that deep copper to amber — tells you this is a beer with some substance without being heavy.
We look for ambers that finish clean. Nobody wants a beer that coats your mouth when you're about to bite into a Texas Patty Melt. The best ones refresh and reset, getting you ready for the next bite.
Try It With
Our top amber ale pairings: the Mushroom Burger with its sherry mushroom gravy, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or honestly, just a basket of our hand-battered onion rings. It handles them all with ease.
