Robin Shepard
Swiss Style Amber has great color, but its aroma and flavor seem subdued, if not delicate.
Style: Amber or red ale is medium-bodied, generally clean copper to bronze in color, and with a moderately bubbly off-white head. This beer is often more malty than hoppy, yet overall it should be well balanced. The caramel maltiness and hints of hoppy bitterness can linger into the finish, but these are clean tasting beers.
Background: Minhas introduced Swiss Style Amber to the Madison market in September. Its name pays tribute to the Swiss heritage of Monroe and the surrounding Green County. In particular, the brewery's promotional materials make note of the brown Swiss cows, a common breed on area dairy farms. Swiss Amber is made with just a hint of Cascade hops in the recipe. You can find it in 8-packs for $7.50 at major grocery stores such as Woodmans.
Tasting notes:
- Aroma: Light earthy, grainy.
- Appearance: Deep bronze color with a bubbly tan head.
- Texture: Medium to light bodied, and thin.
- Taste: Assertive caramel maltiness with a sour background.
- Finish/Aftertaste: Lingering light sour maltiness.
Glassware: Swiss Style Amber has great color, but its aroma and flavor seem subdued, if not delicate. For that reason a classic bar pilsner glass with a small taper at the lip will focus the nose and hold the head.
Pairs well with: The flavor of this beer is light and mild. It will match with non-aggressive bar food such as burgers and grilled chicken.
Rating: One Bottle Opener (out of four).
The Consensus: This beer has not received enough ratings to be evaluated by Beer Advocate nor Rate Beer.
The Verdict: Swiss Style Amber has great color but it let me down with its light flavors and body. I like what it stands for, in its tribute to Monroe's heritage, but it lacks distinction. On a more positive note, this beer's medium to light body and tame taste won't fill you up.
