Top 10 Active Amber Beers

With football season on the horizon now is a perfect time to preview a variety of beers for anyone to enjoy. Whether you are grilling with the guys or getting ready to watch sports, the right beer can make or break the occasion. I have compiled a list of the ten best beers in the amber and red category. Amber beers are generally characterized by their strong focus on a malted flavor with a balance of hops which can range from the lighter taste to sometimes a heavy taste. The main focus however in amber beers are the malts and lightly toasted taste. Ambers are best enjoyed at a temperature of about 45 degrees. I highly recommend using a pint glass and not over chilling or freezing the beer prior to serving. The list is compiled with the characteristics of taste, smoothness, and aroma all kept in mind. Break open your bottle openers and get out the beer steins because it's drinking time.

10. Fat Tire Amber Ale
This amber comes to us from the New Belgium Brewing Company in Colorado. It sits in the number ten spot due to its ease of availability, price, and is a good introductory beer for someone who is switching over from the dark-side of domestics to the world of micro-brews. This beer has a very traditional amber taste that focuses on the malts and has a good balance of hops and a lightly toasted flavor. This beer is a great for a large group due to its affordability and it can be enjoyed by the hardcore beer aficionados or the novice.

9. Pyramid Rollick Amber Lager
Pyramid Brewing out of Seattle,Washington has delivered their best beer to date in the Rollick Amber. Defined by its dark amber taste and is accented with a strong toasted malt flavor. This beer is best enjoyed on tap at the Pyramid Brewery in Seattle just across from Safe-co field. Reasonably priced and easy to find in the Pacific-Northwest Rollick is a great baseball game beer and won't leave you filling full or groggy.

8. Widmer Top Drop Amber
This 2004 and 2008 GABF Gold Medal Winner from Widmer Brothers Brewing Company is another example of the classic amber beer taste. It has a very smooth taste and weighs in at about 5 percent ABV. Top Drop is another great choice for the introductory level micro-brew drinker and while its taste is not out of this world it well warrant few complaints at any social gathering. Widmer's top beer being their Hefeweizen this is a solid effort form the small brewery located in the Pacific North-west.

7. Scuttlebutt Amber
Scuttlebutt Amber is a dry amber with a light hop taste brewed at Scuttlebutt Brewing Company. This is the only beer I have had the pleasure of tasting from the small brewery but if you can find it don't say no. This beer has a very clean taste and is well complimented with spicy foods or BBQ. It has a 5 percent ABV which is fairly standard among ambers.

6. Ridgetop Red
If you find a batch of any Silver City brews don't miss the opportunity to sample them all. However if you are only going to have one then I highly suggest their Ridgetop Red. The Silver City Brewery in Silverdale, WA offers a variety of beers brewed right in the restaurant and are a great compliment to their fantastic menu. If you become a Silver City beer club member you will often receive coupons and specials on their seasonal menu and beers. The Ridgetop Red is a very smooth and easy to drink red amber that leaves a well balanced a refreshing taste in your mouth. The Ridgetop Red is an extremely well-balanced beer that is a great addition to a light meal or appetizer.

5. Smithwicks
Smithwicks claims to be Ireland's number one ale and it is not hard to believe that it would be true. I first experienced this beer in a soccer pub in downtown Seattle. It has a thin head and dry taste that is great with pub food. If you are a fan of the Guinness taste but not its rich thickness then you will definitely enjoy Smithwicks. The beer has a 5 percent ABV and won't leave you feeling over-filled. I recommend the beer with a spicy sausage platter or fried foods.

4. American Amber Ale
The first of two brews on the list out of the Rogue Ales Brewery, American Amber is the definition of what a true amber should taste like. The beer packs a punch with almost 6 percent ABV and has a very distinct and strong hop and malt flavor. While many ambers and reds have a lightly toasted taste American Amber doesn't try to hide its toasted malt flavor. This beer is great with a big juicy burger and can be very filling. American Amber is a great brew for anyone traveling to the Pacific North-west and if you are in Oregon find one of their local brew-houses.

3. Mac and Jacks African Amber
Brewed in Redmond, Washington Mac and Jacks is hands down one of the finest beers you will ever have on-tap. A staple for any respectable restaurant in the Pacific North-west, Mac and Jacks is a great beer for drinking or enjoying with a meal. The first time I had this beer I was instantly hooked, it has a distinct flavor that I have yet to see reproduced and I have been known to walk out of a restaurant when I found out they were out of or didn't serve Mac and Jacks. The beer has a very rich and smooth taste that goes down with incredible ease and the taste is quite literally amazing. Mac and Jacks is not only one of my top amber ales but also one of my top beers of any style period.

2. Loco Imperial Red
I have had quite a few excellent beers from the Iron Horse Brewery but Loco Red is by far the best. This beer is the best red I have ever had and is great with spicy foods or pizza. This beer is one of the strongest offenders on the list packing a big left-hook at 7.5 percent ABV. Loco Red was a staple at one of my favorite local pizza pubs and it alone brought me back in week after week. For a beer with its high alcohol content it is as smooth as any brew on this list. Iron Horse Brewery has definitely made a lasting impression on me with this smooth and delightful red and I think if you try they will win you over as well.

1. Rogue Dead Guy Ale
The second beer from Rouge Brewery, Dead Guy is a 2005,2006, and 2007 World Beer Championship Silver Medalist. I can't say enough about this beer, it is amazing in the bottle or on tap. Best served at around 45-50 degrees this beer has a great aroma and you really want to experience the full flavor so make sure to pour it into a pint glass and give it a minute or two. Originally brewed to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead this beer is a masterpiece. It has a strong distinct taste that is not for the first time micro-brew drinker. If you find yourself in Bend,Oregon definitely stop by the brewery and have a pint or two of this little beauty. The only downside to Dead Guy is the price tag which at nine dollars a six-pack can make the first time buyer a little weary, but trust me it is worth every penny.