Similar to pils but less bitter and hoppy- a clean, malt forward beer with hops in a balancing and supportive role.

Grainy and pils malt- noble hops (spicy)

Slight DMS possible

balance and smoothness

malt profile of Helles and hop profile of a pils while being stronger than both-

Some minerally character may be present

Should be clean (no esters, No diacetyl)

High mineral content in water, sulfates, enhances perception of hop bitterness

American Pale Ale-10A

Classic example

American Pale Ale-10A

Aroma- 

Usually moderat to strong hop aroma from dry hopping or late additions.  A citrusy hop character is often present, but NOT required. Low to moderate maltiness supports the hop, may show some amounts of specialty character (bready, toasty, biscuit)

NO diacetyl

Esters vary from moderate to none

Dry hopping may add slight grassy notes

American Pale Ale-10A

Appearence

Color-Pale gold to deep amber- SRM 5-14

Head-Moderately large white to off-white head with good retention

Clarity-generally clear, dry hopped versions may have some haze

American Pale Ale-10A

Flavor

moderate to high hop flavor, often showing a citrusy American hop character (although other varietes may be used).

Low to moderate high clean malt character supports the hop presentation- Malt may show secondary malt characteristics- bready, toasty, biscuty

Balance towards late hops and bitterness but malt can be substantial.

Caramel flavors may be present but restrained or absent.

Fruity esters are medium to none.

Moderate to hih hop bitterness with medium to dry finish.

Hop flavors and bitterness often lingers into finish

No diacetyl

American Pale Ale-10A

Mouthfeel

American Pale Ale-10A

Impression

History

Refreshing and hoppy, yet with sufficient supporting malt.

American adaptation of English pale ale reflecting indigenous ingedients.  Often lighter in color, cleaner in fermentation by-products, and less caramel falvors than English counterparts.

American Amber Ale- 10B

Classic Example

American Amber Ale-10B

Aroma

low to moderat hop from dry hopping or late kettle additions of American hop varieties.  A citrusy hop character is common, but not required. Low to moderatly high maltiness balances and sometime masks the hop presentation, and usually shows a moderate caramel character.

Esters- moderate to none-

No diactyl.

American Amber Ale-10B

Appearence

Amber to coppery brown

moderate to large off white head

Good retention

generally clear, dry hopped version may be slightly hazy

American Amber Ale-10B

Flavor

Hop flavor-moderate to high, from American varieties, oten has a citrus quality.

Malt- moderate to strong, usually has an initial malty sweetness followed by a moderate caramel flavor. Malt and hop bitterness is generally balanced and supportive- Moderate to no fruity esters.

Caramel sweetness and hop flavor can linger into medium to full finish.

No diacetyl

American Amber Ale-10B

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium full in body

Overall smooth finish w/o astringency ofetn associated with high hopping rates.

Stonger version may have slight alcoholic warmth

American Amber Ale-10B

Impression/comments

American Brown Ale-10C

Classic example/Impression

Bell's Best Brown, SmuttyNose Old Brown Dog, Big Sky Moose Drool, Brooklyn Brown

Bigger, maltier and hoppier version of Northern English Brown

Hoppier, less malty Brown Porter- Often has citrusy american hop presence

Similar to American Pale and Amber, but with more Chocolate and caramel character.

American Brown Ale-10C

Aroma

Malty, sweet and rich- ofetn with a chocolate, caramel, or nutty/toasty quality- Low to moderate hop aroma (some version may have stronger hop aroma from dry hopping) should feature American hop varities.

 Low to no diacetyl

Esters very low to moderatehort of being overly porter like

robust dark malt, but stops s

American Brown Ale-10C

Appearence/Mouthfeel

Light to dark brown. Clear. Low to moderate off white head to tan head.

Medium to med-full body.

More bitter version may have slight resiny, dry impression- Moderate to moderatly high carbonation- May have some alcoholic warmth

American Brown Ale-10C

Flavor

Medium to high malty flavor (often with caramel, toasty or chocolate flavors)hop bitterness is med to med-high,

Finish is med.-dry providing an aftertast of both malt and hops. Hop flavor can be light to moderate and may have citrusy character.  Very low to moderate fruity esters. Low to no diacetyl.