Brewery: American River Brewing Company
Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Beer: Au Golden Ale
Alcohol Content: 5%
IBUs: 20
What the Brewery Says: "This all weather beer is perfect for anyone who wants a fresh, clean, crisp beer that is both flavorful and refreshing. AU Golden Ale is our lightest beer; it is gold in color with great head retention. There is a nice bready character that is balanced by a slight grain flavor. Our golden finishes crisp and clean with just the slightest hint of spice. Ask for an AU and see who turns their head."
Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Beer: Au Golden Ale
Alcohol Content: 5%
IBUs: 20
What the Brewery Says: "This all weather beer is perfect for anyone who wants a fresh, clean, crisp beer that is both flavorful and refreshing. AU Golden Ale is our lightest beer; it is gold in color with great head retention. There is a nice bready character that is balanced by a slight grain flavor. Our golden finishes crisp and clean with just the slightest hint of spice. Ask for an AU and see who turns their head."
My thoughts: After a beer last week that just about knocked me on my butt, I figured I would go with something lighter this week. I was intrigued by this beer (purchased at Whole Foods) because I like beers that have a real attachment to the place they're brewed, and this does the trick - a gold-themed beer right in the heart of gold country. And it uses the periodic table!
On the whole, the beer was pretty average. It wasn't bad or anything; it just wasn't exciting or remarkable in any way. The beer describes itself as "bready," which just about sums it up. It had a smell that was very much like uncooked bread dough, and the taste had more than a few hints of graininess.
To be honest, I thought it tasted like a cheap American lager during the first couple of sips. However, it started to grow on me as I worked my way through the glass. Eventually I started tasting some very mild fruitiness, and I actually grew to like the pleasant aftertaste. Turns out this is a cheap American beer that worked hard, got itself promoted to a menial job at a craft brewery, joined the middle class, and settled into the comfortable suburbs with a wife and 2.5 kids.
I can see myself wanting this beer at a barbecue or family gathering where I don't want to offend my guests with my much preferred overly-hoppy beers, but I don't see myself ordering it in a bar.
On the whole, the beer was pretty average. It wasn't bad or anything; it just wasn't exciting or remarkable in any way. The beer describes itself as "bready," which just about sums it up. It had a smell that was very much like uncooked bread dough, and the taste had more than a few hints of graininess.
To be honest, I thought it tasted like a cheap American lager during the first couple of sips. However, it started to grow on me as I worked my way through the glass. Eventually I started tasting some very mild fruitiness, and I actually grew to like the pleasant aftertaste. Turns out this is a cheap American beer that worked hard, got itself promoted to a menial job at a craft brewery, joined the middle class, and settled into the comfortable suburbs with a wife and 2.5 kids.
I can see myself wanting this beer at a barbecue or family gathering where I don't want to offend my guests with my much preferred overly-hoppy beers, but I don't see myself ordering it in a bar.