Porcupine Quill Brewing Company Quills Karoo Red American Amber / Red Ale at 5.5% ABV (2014 Advent Calendar #15, 330ml, no bottle date or best before)
Pours muddy amber with a short, short-lived loose light tan head, no lacing, some particulate. (3/5) Nose is caramel malt, brown sugar, sugared fruit, leafy hops. (6/10) Taste is moderately sweet, mild bitter. (6/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, mild bitter finish. (3/5)
Well, this one was never going to get me excited. “Oh, goody, an amber ale – I never get to have those!” And the appearance was less than encouraging. But, y’know, really not bad. The flavours, while not thrilling, are passable, and the carbonation remained fairly lively throughout, keeping it from devolving into utter boredom. There’s actually a bit of warming towards the end, too, so not a total washout. Probably doesn’t justify a trip to South Africa, though. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
