Menu

The 11 Best American Amber/Red Ales of 2022

Responsive image

While not the sexiest style of today, American ambers have played a significant part in the American craft brewing revolution. 

A branch off the traditional American pale ale first popularized on the West Coast, ambers gained popularity across the U.S. in the 1980s. 

Accordingly, at many of the bigger regional breweries across America you'll find a popular amber ale in their arsenal. For instance, New Belgium's Fat Tire, Odell's 90 Shilling, or Highland Brewing's Gaelic Ale.

And for good reason. 

Named after its gorgeous red hue, American amber ales get their characteristic color from a combination of caramel and crystal malts in the grist. Often roasted, these malts also give amber beers a decent body, toasty profile, and significant maltiness that many drinkers have come to appreciate. 

In contrast to its pale ale cousin, amber or red ale tends to be a bit richer in mouth feel and with a bigger body. Imagine drinking one around the fire during the cold autumn or cold winter months in the Pacific Northwest and it's pretty easy to see how this style found its place on the shelf. 

Expect notes of toffee, caramel, and roast with just a shiver of an American hop bitterness running through it. 

Consider American amber/red ales a great gateway beer to pale ales and eventually IPAs. For that reason, take a look at some of the most popular versions on Untappd right now. 

Untappd's 11 Highest-Rated American Amber/Red Ales of the Year

Responsive image
Photography courtesy of Burlington Beer Company

1. Study Hall - Burlington Beer Company

Study Hall label

Study Hall

Burlington Beer Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 3,102

Unique (?) 2,880

5.5% ABV

10 IBU

(3.89)

2,585 Ratings

2. African Amber - Mac & Jack's Brewing Company

African Amber label

African Amber

Mac & Jack's Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 98,150

Unique (?) 56,217

5.8% ABV

30 IBU

(3.71)

50,569 Ratings

3. Blood of the Unicorn - Pipeworks Brewing Company

Blood of the Unicorn label

Blood of the Unicorn

Pipeworks Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 63,239

Unique (?) 51,415

6.5% ABV

69 IBU

(3.83)

46,927 Ratings

4. 90 Shilling - Odell Brewing Co. 

90 Shilling label

90 Shilling

Odell Brewing Co.

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 203,845

Unique (?) 133,649

5.3% ABV

27 IBU

(3.7)

119,586 Ratings

5. Red Jacket Amber Ale - Keweenaw Brewing Company

Red Jacket Amber Ale label

Red Jacket Amber Ale

Keweenaw Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 23,771

Unique (?) 17,790

5.1% ABV

32 IBU

(3.61)

16,175 Ratings

6. Gaelic Ale - Highland Brewing Company

Gaelic Ale label

Gaelic Ale

Highland Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 146,017

Unique (?) 98,914

5.5% ABV

30 IBU

(3.63)

88,554 Ratings

7. Metamodern - Reuben's Brews

Metamodern label

Metamodern

Reuben's Brews

Collaboration with Georgetown Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 1,301

Unique (?) 1,184

5.5% ABV

N/A IBU

(3.7)

1,066 Ratings

8. Fat Tire - New Belgium Brewing Company

Fat Tire Ale label

Fat Tire Ale

New Belgium Brewing Company

Blonde / Golden Ale - American

Total (?) 1.19M+

Unique (?) 558,225

5.2% ABV

15 IBU

(3.58)

492,947 Ratings

9. Louie's Demise - Milwaukee Brewing Company

Louie's Demise label

Louie's Demise

Milwaukee Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 41,443

Unique (?) 27,416

5.5% ABV

24 IBU

(3.59)

24,526 Ratings

10. Sabre-Toothed Squirrel - Smog City Brewing Co.

Sabre-Toothed Squirrel label

Sabre-Toothed Squirrel

Smog City Brewing Co.

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 23,966

Unique (?) 19,456

7% ABV

N/A IBU

(3.69)

17,464 Ratings

11. Chronic Amber Ale - Pizza Port Brewing Company

Chronic Amber Ale label

Chronic Amber Ale

Pizza Port Brewing Company

Red Ale - American Amber / Red

Total (?) 64,845

Unique (?) 48,819

4.9% ABV

33 IBU

(3.57)

43,946 Ratings

Powered by Untappd Data (minimum of 1,000 check-ins)