Hawthorn Amber Ale

"If on a winter’s night..."

This is a delicious, coppery-coloured amber ale that takes me back to pulling pints in Old London Town. It has a rich malt taste with a moderate bitterness that would serve well to keep you in good spirits through a cold winter’s eve. While it could have been a little creamier, on the whole it’s a thoroughly enjoyable drop.

Would I buy it again?
Most definitely. Hawthorne’s pale ale is one of my all time favourites and this amber ale shows the brewery’s much more than a one trick pony.

"Gold in colour, gold in nature."

When I started doing these reviews it was safe to say beer was way down my list when it came to beverages of choice. Now, five beers in and I am already gaining an appreciation for ales and it certainly helps that I am trying quality craft beers and not just whatever Dan’s has on special the day I walk in.

This beer is a winner, it doesn’t hit too strong as it finds the palate and has a pleasant after taste that comes through gently.

My only regret is that I didn’t have more.

Would I buy it again?
Absolutely, I would be happy to go to my next BYO outing accompanied with a sixer of these.

"Auburn beauty."

First things first: this beer poured like an absolute champion; probably better than any we’ve tried thus far. The rich auburn brew was perfectly topped off by some of the tastiest froth I’d ever laid my eyes on. It tasted just as good too.

Think malt mixed with caramel and even a touch of chocolate to finish it off. While it sounds punchy, the taste was subtle but surprisingly lingered long after the experience had ended... and that, in my opinion, is the sign of a good brew. I look forward to getting to know this auburn beauty a little better.

Would I buy it again?
Hell yeah, this one deserves to be under my arm at the next barbecue I attend.

"As good as gold."

Despite it’s (rather pretty) dark gold colour, Hawthorn Brewery’s amber ale is surprisingly light. In fact, it’s almost masquerading as something it isn’t; it avoids many of the things that other brewers do to make their beers too overpowering.

As a result, I would call this the ‘Carlton Banks’ of beer. Strangely, the caramel and coffee aftertaste is stronger than the initial flavours, which makes this beer rate well in my book as I’m not a huge fan of heavy stouts.. or coffee. I’m really quite surprised I didn’t hate this.

Would I buy it again?
It’s too early to say.