Wayward Brewing Co - Dreaming of an Amber Christmas - American Amber Ale - Beer Review

Review Date: 8/12/2021
Brewery Name: Wayward Brewing Co (Camperdown, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Dreaming of an Amber Christmas (American Amber Ale)

Beer number 8 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Malt-driven ales make the perfect Northern Hemisphere christmas beers, but sadly they're not always the most appropriate thing for the Aussie Summer. So here's our spin on celebrating malt, while still delivering a crisp, hoppy punch that'll quench your thirst on a hot day.

This is a classic American Amber Ale; malt-forward but still clean and balanced. We chose Sabro as the primary hop for this beer as it's complex profile of citrus, stone fruit and creamy coconut flavours both complement the malt profile, while also providing length and balance for a refreshing finish. "

Wayward Brewing Co - Dreaming of an Amber Christmas - American Amber Ale Can

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.6% (Standard)




Label/Design: 8/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: Amber Ale

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Sabro

IBU's: 30

Appearance

Colour: Deep Amber

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Hop flavour and aroma were perceived to be the same

Malt flavour and aroma were subtle, and also perceived to be the same - the sweetness and caramel flavours from the malt were delicious

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Overall

Wayward Brewing Co - Dreaming of an American Christmas - American Amber Ale in the Craftd Freddy glass

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

Our first amber ale in quite a while and this one's cracker. Beautiful malt sweetness that is prominent without being overpowering, and pairs incredibly well with the complex flavours from the hops. We're only aware of sabro hops being used but expect there are others that helped contribute to the piney and earthy flavours that sabro is not typically known for. Very enjoyable and well balanced amber ale.