Beer Review Friday - Boont Amber Ale

Beer Review Friday. Each week a different Tasty Boozer is going to pick a beer, drink it (obviously) and then write a review about it. Hopefully we can introduce you to some new beers that you can add to your weekend getting-fucked-up repertoire.

Brewery description:

Boont Amber was the first ale produced at our famous Boonville brewery, and proudly carries the town’s Boontling* name. Boont Amber is a medium-bodied amber ale with a beautiful copper color, a robust head, and the rich flavor or caramel malt. Described as “an essay in balance,” Boont is the classic American-style Amber Ale. Noble and robust, yet smooth and mellow, Boont is delicious alone, or as the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It’s “Bahl Hornin’” (It’s good drinking).” (*- The local Anderson Valley dialect, developed in the late 1800’s.)

This description immediately sold me (although it was a lot of reading). I love amber ales and almost drink them exclusively when I want to enjoy my beer - with dinner or just a weeknight beverage. A bottle of Boont Amber Ale is just what the doctor ordered for last night. The clean and crisp ale isn’t overpowering or bitter, meaning there’s not bitter after-taste that you need to mask with food or just more beer.

From the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, there are two things on the bottle not included in the description to note. First, there’s a random “Gold Medal Winner” logo, although no descriptor, I believe this was well deserved and a legitimate award. Second, the beer is brewed with “pristine Boonville mineral water.” I think this is what might separate Boont from other ambers, allowing the true intended taste come through.

Boont Amber Ale comes in at 5.8% alcohol by volume, pretty standard for ambers. The brewery is located in Mendocino County, Calif., which is north of San Francisco. Anderson Valley Brewing Company has eight other beers, and distribution in more than 20 states across the country. To find a distributor near you, go here. Also, if you are in the area, check out the 12th Annual Boonville Beer Fest on May 10. If the other brews are to the quality of the Boont Amber Ale, it’s going to be well worth the trip.