North Peak Brewing Co. - Siren Amber Ale

We travel north from Comstock to Traverse City, Michigan, to visit the North Peak Brewing Co. to have their Siren Amber Ale, purchased at Vintage Estates.

"A malty classic, with the subtle hop flavor & aroma from Willamette & Fuggle. Enjoy the caramel sweetness with just a hint of roasted barley, which provides the rich amber color & a slight dry finish." It is 5.1% ABV.

Overall average rating: 7.25/10

It is a lightly cloudy, transparent beer with a color that we categorize as an amber with a little honey added. The head is slightly off-white and is quick to diminish. The aroma is caramelly and a little roasty, with a light barley an citrus hop scents as well. The taste has a front tongue bite and has a rich molasses and malty flavor.

Shawn- This has great drinkability with a smooth, clean finish. I wish it had some more nose, 7.5/10.
Angela- This is a clean beer that is flavorful but thin, 6.75/10.
Chris- There are more flavors than aroma, but I find it delicious. I would suggest this for anyone who hasn't had an amber beer before, 7.5/10.

Bell's - Amber Ale

More than halfway on our journey through the Central U.S., we stop in Comstock, Michigan, at the Bell's Brewery to have their Amber Ale, purchased at Vintage Estates.

This was first brewed in 1985, and it "embodies the heritage of our brewery and celebrates the nature of the Great Lakes region." It "deftly balances a mixture of toasted grain & light caramel notes with a range of floral, citrus and herbal hop notes, capped by a clean bitterness." It has a shelf life of 6 months and is 5.8% ABV.

Overall average rating: 7.1/10

This is amber in color and very cloudy with aromas of malt, some citrus hop, and Belgian yeast. The taste is clean and crisp, with a front and side tongue bite and then a mid tongue bite in the after taste. We also taste light malt, slight barley, and a warming hop taste.

Shawn- This beer is pleasant, balanced, and clean. I actually love the hops in this beer. I would give this a higher rating if it weren't for the metallic taste, 7/10.

Angela- It's not terribly memorable, but it's not a bad beer. I (surprisingly!) enjoy the warming hop finish, 6.75/10.

Chris- I think the more I drink this beer, the higher I'll rate it overall, 7.5/10.

Ohio Brewing Co. - Jingle Bell Ale

"Spice up your holiday season!"

Next up is Jingle Bell Ale from Ohio Brewing Company purchased at Havana House.

(I cannot find a picture of this beer anywhere. There isn't even a description of it on their website.)

"In the spirit of giving we have concocted this festive holiday brew. One sip ofour slightly sweet and spice amber ale will bring joy to your heart and peace to your senses." Interestingly, the Ohio Brewing Company was founded in 1997 in Niles, Ohio, before moving to Akron. This has 25 IBUs and is 7.5% ABV.

Overall average rating: 7.1/10

This beer is a very clear red amber color. The aroma is very sweet, with honey, cherry, and a slight caramel malt scents. It reminds me of caramel candies. The taste is creamy with a slight syrupiness. It has a bubbly sweet soda finish.

Shawn- This reminds me of a cream soda, and the vanilla is a suprise. It's a little sweet for me, and I'm not sure it's truly a Christmas ale. I think the sugary richness could hold more flavor, however it is still pretty balanced, though the taste doesn't develop enough for me, 7/10.
Angela- I didn't expect the taste based on the smell, though it is a very interesting flavor. It makes me think of eating those bullseye caramels, 7/10.
Chris- It's like a red ale trying to be a Christmas ale; it should taste stronger. It's not bad, but they could do more with it, 7.25/10.