Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale

Thirsty Beaver comes from Tree Brewing Co. out of Kelowna, British Columbia. It's sold in 330mL bottles. The one that I had once had a cartoon beaver on the label, but by the time I snapped a photo, the bottle had been salvaged from a party in Brockville, and sadly, the Beave was no more. It contains the standard 5% alcohol and is a hazy copper brew. It pours with an off-white head that is quickly replaced by some scattered suds. The label calls this stuff a "smooth amber ale".

The nose contains bread, malt, and caramel notes. There is a coppery flavour that matches Thirsty Beaver's coppery colour. When you get past the penny, you find a reasonably full-bodied amber ale that travels from malty to bitter. There are notes of baking grain and a modest but respectable hop profile. There is also just the faintest touch of Christmas pudding near the finish, in the form of a buttery raisin note.

Somehow, Thirsty Beaver manages to taste stronger than its 5% alcohol.  If you like malt-driven English-style ales, this stuff is a fine example. I enjoyed this beer and I'd like some more.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.