International Amber Lager Tasting – BCJP Category 2b
This episode we’re tasting the International Amber Lager. Our examples are:
Yuengling Lager (Traditional Lager) 4.5% – 16 IBU
Yuengling Brewery – Pottsville, PA
Brooklyn Lager 5.2% ABV – 33 IBU
Brooklyn Brewery – Brooklyn, NY
We made some mention of the iSpindel’s that we’re building, we have a bunch of links on this page, and our lessons learned post is here.
But onto the style! The BJCP’s page for International Amber Lager (Category 2b) says:
Overall:
- A well-attenuated malty amber lager with an interesting caramel or toast quality and restrained bitterness.
- Usually fairly well-attenuated, often with an adjunct quality.
- Smooth, easily-drinkable lager character.
History:
Varies by country, but generally represents an adaptation of the mass-market International Lager or an evolution of indigenous styles into a more generic product.
Aroma:
- Low to moderate malt aroma which can be grainy, with a very low to moderate caramel-sweet to toasty-malty aroma.
- Hop aroma can range from low to none with a mildly floral or spicy character.
- Clean lager profile.
- A slight DMS or corny aroma is acceptable.
Appearance:
- Golden-amber to reddish-copper color.
- Bright clarity.
- White to off-white foam stand which may not last.
Flavor:
- Low to moderate malt profile which can vary from dry to grainy-sweet.
- Low to moderate levels of caramel and toasty-bready notes can be evident.
- Low to medium-low corny sweetness is optional, but not a fault.
- Hop bitterness is low to moderate, and hop flavor is low to moderate with a spicy, herbal, or floral character.
- The balance can be fairly malty to nearly even, with the bitterness becoming more noticeable but not objectionable.
- The bitterness level can increase if the malt character increases to match.
- Clean fermentation profile.
- Finish is moderately dry with a moderately malty aftertaste.
Mouthfeel:
- Light to medium body.
- Medium to high carbonation.
- Smooth; some examples can be creamy.
