Review: Amber's Ale by Bawlmer Brewing
Last night, I bought a six-pack ($8.99) of Amber's Ale, one of the first two lines from the new Bawlmer Craft Beers.
It had a large, thick head, a quick, front-of-the-mouth flash and a yeasty finish. I wish it had more body, though -- it was too thin.
All in all, it wasn't a bad first effort for the up-and-coming brewery, which operates out of the old Cork and Seal building in Highlandtown.
From the taste of Amber's Ale, you can tell brewer John O'Melia admires Belgian ales, and is using them as inspiration ...
Amber's Ale is a bit more than six percent alcohol, which is not nearly as much as the high-test Belgians, but more than your average American brew.
Bawlmer has one other beer on shelves right now: Formstone Ale. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll pick up a six pack the next time I see it.
Amber's Ale might not be the best local ale on shelves right now, but I'm curious to see what else Bawlmer comes out with in the near future.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Where'd you pick it up? My curiosity is piqued.
Posted by: Stagger Lee | May 20, 2010 9:02 AM
I looked at the Web site and couldn't figure out where to buy this. Sam?
Posted by: Josh | May 20, 2010 9:09 AM
According to Alexander D. Mitchell IV's site, beerinbaltimore.blogspot.com, it's available at:
Grand Cru, Mount Washington Tavern, Pickles Pub, North Charles Wine Shop, Mays Chapel Wine & Spirits, Mt Washington Liquors, and Eddie's of Roland Park
Posted by: Sam Sessa | May 20, 2010 9:20 AM
Eddie's of Roland Park has the Amber's AND the Formstone. I liked the "thin" quality of the Amber - I'd call it crisp - more when contrasted with the "thicker" feeling Formstone. Get one in each fist!
Posted by: Alex | May 20, 2010 11:10 AM