Brick Brewery's Waterloo Authentic Amber Ale

Back in summer 2007, I sent an email to the MLCC suggesting some beers that should be sold in Manitoba. I had a list of four or so beers. The prompt response from MLCC was "We will not be getting in any of these beers because of A, B and C". However, a few weeks later, every beer I suggested that the MLCC bring in started to make an appearance. First off was Unibroue's Éphémère Cassis. The only beer on the list that did NOT come to Manitoba was beer by Brick Brewery out of Kitchener-Waterloo. However, last week Brick's beer finally came to Manitoba, 5 years after the first request. The request was done back when Brick still sold beer in Stubby bottles.

I picked up two 473mL cans of Brick's beer, the Waterloo Authentic Amber Ale and their Waterlook Original Dark Ale. This review is for the Authentic Amber Ale.

Appearance: Having tasted several amber ales since becoming of legal age in 2003, I know what to expect in a standard Amber - nice honey-amber colour, sweet aroma and a sweet taste. When it comes to appearance, this is very much an amber ale in every sense - A very honey (light brown) amber colour, very clear, slight carbonation and some head when pouring. The head dies down quite gradually and remains with a thin layer of cookie dough beige-cream head.

Aroma: Not much going on here, though I hint a sweet caramel malt foremost. There's a bit of a straw scent but not that strong. Slightly floral.

Taste: The maltiness that hits the palate at the beginning isn't that pleasant, in fact, it almost reminds me of Molson Dry, a lower quality taste. That said, the more I drink it, the more I taste the caramel, the sweetness, the taste of straw. In fact, this tastes nearly identical to Sleeman's Amber Ale in almost every sense. A bit of bitterness lingers on the tongue after you are done sipping on this beer.

Overall Thoughts: It's your standard Amber Ale, sweet, slightly bitter, bit of straw. To me, this tastes near IDENTICAL to Sleeman's Amber Ale, which - I don't mine during the summer time. The Authentic Amber Ale is $2.99 before tax for a 473mL can, while more expensive than some beers, it has a kicker ABV of 6.8%. This is going to be a great by-the-fire beer during camping times as it's in a great size and at 6.8%, it will give you a bit warmth.