Lake of Bays Brewing Company Spark House American Amber / Red Ale at 5% ABV (C$3.33 at NLC Stavanger, 473 ml, bottle date 8-Apr-2016, acquired 15-May-2016, reviewed 19-May-2016)
Appearance: clear red-tinged deep amber with one fat finger of fine ivory head, good retention and patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: caramel malt, grassy and earthy hops, wood and light smoke. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration mildly bitter and lightly smoky finish. (3/5)
Sorry, but I find it really hard to get excited about yet another middle-of-the road amber, distinguished only by the roasty malt tones coming through as slight smoke. Fair enough, that slight smokiness adds some depth, but it’s hard to call it “complexity” (and I’m not entirely sure it’s deliberate). A reasonably well-executed but ultimately boring beer. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
