Overall Impression
A toasty and caramelly, fairly bitter, standard-strength beer with an interesting fruitiness and rustic, woody hop character. Smooth and well carbonated.
Aroma
Moderate to high herbal, resinous, floral, or minty hops. Light fruitiness acceptable. Low to moderate caramel or toasty malt supports the hops.
Appearance
Medium amber to light copper color. Generally clear. Moderate off-white head with good retention.
Flavor
Moderately malty with a pronounced hop bitterness. The malt character usually has toast (not roast) and caramel flavors. Low to moderately high hop flavor, usually showing rustic, traditional American hop qualities (often herbal, resinous, floral, minty). Finish fairly dry and crisp, with a lingering hop bitterness and a firm, grainy malt flavor. Light fruity esters are acceptable, but otherwise clean.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied. Medium to medium-high carbonation.
Vital Statistics
- IBU
- 30 - 45
- SRM
- 9 - 14
- ABV
- 4.5% - 5.5%
Commercial Examples
- Anchor Steam
- Steamworks Steam Engine Lager