Independence Austin Amber Ale

August 30, 2011.

3.5 stars out of 5

Brewed and bottled by Independence Brewing Company, Austin, TX.  Bought at HEB in Cinco Ranch, TX and drunk at home in Katy, TX while preparing dinner of hamburger patties, with cheese, mushrooms and a sunny side up egg on top, served with tomatoes and steamed red cabbage and cauliflower.

Web site: http://www.independencebrewing.com/beer/austinamber.html

The web site says "A special blend of malted barley - lightly to darkly roasted - creates layers of toasty sweetness, balanced by the citrusy notes of Vanguard hops. Burnt orange with a laid back finish, this is the beer of Austin.

Austin Amber captures the flavor and the feeling of our fair city. From the Pennybacker Bridge that spans beautiful Lake Austin on Highway 360, to the Congress Avenue Bridge and its bat colony, that leads to the heart of downtown. From the moontowers that first illuminated Austin neighborhoods in 1894, and later reminded us of keg parties of old in Dazed and Confused, to the live music that illuminates music halls and dive bars alike on a nightly basis.

Here's to you Austin! Here's a beer for you to kick back and enjoy.4.9% ABV"

Quite pleasant, an interesting taste at first that was reminiscent of Belgian beers.  A nice crisp clean taste that went down well as I chopped vegetables.

The 47 raters at RateBeer.com were not at all happy with this beer.  They give it an average score of 2.55 which puts it in the 19^th percentile of all beers and the 10^th percentile of Amber Beers. (http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/independence-brewing-austin-amber/67614/  )

The 31 raters at BeerAdvocate.com were a little kinder, giving the beer an average score of 3.37 which rates an B- = worthy.  (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10284/34704  )