Great beer continues to be made in Alaska! Fourtyfive minutes NE of Anchorage, it's easy to be inspired by their gorgeous surroundings. The team leans into German heritage, with Pacific Northwest influences. Hard work and persistence since their opening in 2011 has resulted in exceptional quality and various accolades. This American Amber Ale has received recognition throughout its home-state for being an exceptional brew and was awarded a Blue Ribbon at the 2016 Alaskan State Fair. The sweetness from the amber malt, silky mouthfeel from the wheat, a higher ABV than a standard Amber Ale, plus a low bitterness profile, makes this a malt forward brew that is intentionally difficult to categorize. Named after High Ridge Lake, located near the brewery in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Arkose delivers a brew that is a little bit British, a little bit German and 100% Alaskan beauty. Enjoy soon, at 8 C.
Dark red body with a medium white head and beautiful white lacing on the glass. Once settled, it almost looks the same colour as a cola.
After pouring, instant caramel and a heavy malt hit the nose with sweetness and less hop character. Way in the back, some notes of leather, orange peel, candied sugar and molasses add an interesting addition of complexity and brings intrigue to taste!
This beer lives up to their promise to deliver inspiration from a beautiful setting. The caramel returns, but with the carbonation helping the hop profile, which adds some really nice spicy and earthy bitterness that compliments the malt quite well. Mouthfeel is surprisingly light which exposes the higher ABV for an Amber Ale. The aftertaste brings us back to the colour where there is an almost cola flavour that pleasantly lingers.
When we brought this out to taste, one of our team members had red pepper hummus at the ready, and it worked brilliantly. This brew is calling for a nice charcuterie board with some cured meats, black bean or rye chips for added spice and smoked gouda.