American Amber Ale

An amber, hoppy, moderate-strength American craft beer with a caramel malty flavor. The balance can vary quite a bit, with some versions being fairly malty and others more aggressively hoppy.

Moderate American hop aroma with citrus or pine notes. Moderate caramel malt aroma. Low to moderate fruity esters. Balanced between malt and hop character with a pleasant toasty quality.

Amber to copper, 10-17 SRM. Clear. Off-white to ivory head with moderate to good retention.

Moderate caramel malt flavor. Moderate American hop bitterness and citrus or pine flavor. Low to moderate fruity esters. Moderately dry finish. Balanced with both malt and hop character.

Medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth with some creaminess from caramel malt. No harshness.

One of the first true American craft beer styles, emerging in the early 1980s as American brewers created hop-forward beers using caramel malts and American hops. Helped define the American craft beer aesthetic. Numerous regional craft breweries created their own amber ales as signature beers.

What is American Amber Ale beer?

American Amber Ale (BJCP 19A) — a hoppy, caramel-malt American craft beer. Style guide, specs, and examples.

What is the ABV of American Amber Ale?

American Amber Ale has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5-6.2%.

How bitter is American Amber Ale beer?

American Amber Ale measures 25-40 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of American Amber Ale beers?

Bell's Amber Ale, Deschutes Mirror Mirror, New Belgium Fat Tire, Tröegs Nugget Nectar