This is a beer with an identity crisis. The name is Alaskan "Amber". The label says this is an alt style beer. The Alaskan Brewing website does too, and I quote:

A German style of ale known as "Alt". Alt means "old", referring to its cooler, slower fermentation (ales typically ferment faster at warmer temperatures). Alt fermentation yields a remarkably smooth and well blended beer

This is a bit misleading. "Alt" is German for old, and refers to the "old" practice of fermentation with ale yeasts at warmer temperatures, before bottom-fermenting lager yeasts became popular (most beers brewed in Germany today are lagers). Lager yeasts ferment at cooler temperatures, but contrary to what Alaskan Brewing is claiming, Alt beers are top fermented ales. What the Germans do to make them smoother is to lager them, or store them at cold temperatures for a period, after fermentation.

The beer is an appropriate copper color for the style, but seems under hopped for an alt. Indeed, at 18 IBUs (International Bitterness Units, it is about half what it should be. The nose is rather malty with a touch of fruit, the palate can be described similarly with a bit of caramel thrown in. A hint of buttery diacetyl can also be detected in the otherwise fairly clean finish. Probably better described as an American Amber, this isn't an over-the-top beer but it is highly drinkable with just enough flavor to make the drinking worthwhile.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft



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