I am beginning to see that the brewery Maine Beer Company, based in Freeport Maine, is quite special. So far, two of their ales have made it into choice spots in my beer reviews, and a couple more that I’ve had may very well do the same in future ones. So if you see them while you’re perusing the selection at your local liquor store, pick something up, because it’s bound to be good. Those fellas know their hops.

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‘ZOE’ – MAINE BEER – American Amber Ale – 7.20% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a deep, rusty orange-brown with highlights of red and a two finger, moderate mahogany-tan head. The body is too opaque to note any sediment, but a little bit of carbonation is still evident. 4.5/5

Smell: Quite hoppy, with strong aromas of resinous fir bark and spicy grapefruit with a touch of leafy herbs. In the background, the mild malt character falls midway between a toasted bread and a caramelized sugar, which meshes together with the woody hops. The design is a little bit straightforward, but the aromas themselves are superbly detailed and subtle. 4.5/5

Taste: Moderate to strong smooth bitterness is the primary flavor, with only a hint of sweetness edging in during the beginning of each sip. Gradually, the layers of earthy pine-needle hop peel back revealing a subtle roasted malt flavor that features some hints of toffee and even cocoa. Additionally, a mild to moderate tartness brings out faint strains of raisin and raspberry. Any lingering sweetness subsides in the finish, further intensifying the bitterness, though even this eventually fades, revealing fresh pipe tobacco and lingering lemon. Really dynamic and original while still being surprisingly balanced (even with the intense hop presence). 5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, with a fresh mouthfeel that relies on a moderately bright carbonation in combination with a slickness that manages to eschew any alcoholic heat. The long mouthfeel with a uniquely tactile bitterness further accentuates the hops. 4.5/5

Overall: Extremely complex hop profile which is balanced nicely by some subtle yet impressive roasted malt and even some fruit esters. Aggressive for an amber ale, but still utilizes the format to its greatest extent to create something unique and delicious. 4.5/5

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‘FALL SUMMIT ALE’ – PEAK ORGANIC – American Amber Ale – 5.70% ABV

Appearance: Poured a medium, slightly red orange-brown with a one finger, off-white head. Quite clear bodied with ample carbonation. 3.5/5

Smell: Surprisingly deep piney hop aroma that contains traces of dank citrus fruit and even a hint of onion that is typical of Summit hops. Malt character is a moderately strong toasted bread and toffee that balances the earthy hop profile quite nicely. Fairly unique and nicely balanced. 4/5

Taste: A moderate bitterness immediately sweeps the palate, where the musty pine and vegetable hop flavors dominate over the malt. The sweetness is somewhat faint, though when it occasionally pokes through it helps mesh the Summit hop profile with a touch of breadiness. There is also a mild to moderate tartness, but unfortunately very little fruit flavor to take advantage of this. Still quite unique, but very much needs a better balance of flavors and maybe another variety of hops to smooth things out. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Moderate to light body with a moderately strong carbonation that has a slight bite to it. The mouthfeel suffers similarly to the taste, where the dark, acrid hop character overwhelms the lighter, subtler parts of the beer. 2.5/5

Overall: There is an interesting idea behind the beer, but poor execution, with a mild malt character and lighter body that don’t stand up to the challenging hop profile. If it were re-balanced, this could actually be quite a nice drink, but alas it is merely mediocre. 3/5

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‘BEER CAMP #65 (IMPERIAL RED ALE)’ – SIERRA NEVADA – American Amber Ale – 8.10% ABV

Appearance: Poured a deep blood red-brown with a one finger, creamy tan head. Though the beer is practically too dark to see accurately, careful inspection displays no sediment with moderate carbonation. 4/5

Smell: Rich, dank sticky pine resin hop character with overtones of grapefruit and earth or wood. Some much milder toasted caramel malt notes lie in the background with perhaps the suggestion of some mild stone fruit and tangerine as well. Very simple, austere, but quite potent. Perhaps a little too hop-forward in the balance though, even for an ‘imperial’ red ale. 3.5/5

Taste: A surprising moderate to strong tartness in the beginning, which provides a juicy hit of citrus with notes of cherry, though a moderate to strong bitterness quickly washes through, bringing a rich leafy pine flavor which features touches of pollen. A mild sweetness laced with fruit and spicy rye bread malts is noticeable along with the tartness, and gradually builds into a smoky toffee note that goes well with the earthy hop character. Balance is pretty well done for such a strong, heavy beer. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium body, with a nice carbonic kick that helps set off some of the juicy fruit flavors and expands the hop profile somewhat. Not especially smooth, but the alcoholic heat is mild enough that the beer isn’t too acerbic on the palate. Definitely meets the intensity of the flavors. 3.5/5

Overall: Imperial is almost an understatement. Flavors are very in-your-face, with an intensity that nearly washes away the more delicate aspects of the malt. Nonetheless, impressively strong hop profile with somewhat dynamic flavors that hinge upon a ripe acidity. 3.5/5

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‘RED ROCKET ALE’ – BEAR REPUBLIC – American Amber Ale – 6.80% ABV

Appearance: Poured a deep, slightly dark ruby-red with garnet highlights and a one-finger, light than head. It is too dark to see any haze, but some moderate carbonation is visible on the edges. 4/5

Smell: Malt is the dominant quality, featuring a deep sticky toffee, touches of honey and smoky malts that are perhaps even slightly burnt. A hop character displays pine and grapefruit, with brushes of light flowers, pollen and earthy wood in the background, which provides an interesting counterbalance. Fascinating synergies, and definitely unique, if a little unusual. 4/5

Taste: Mild to moderate sweetness enters first, though lighter than expected, preventing the caramel from overwhelming the palate and displaying very faint fruit esters alongside the mild tartness and citrus fruit. A sweeping moderate bitterness comes out towards the finish, though it is not at all harsh, despite the rigid pine needle and dry cereal notes. These flavors pair well with a finishing lick of smoke and earthy wildflowers. Great balance, with a novel flavor profile. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Mild to light body, though the carbonation is not at all biting, instead providing a very smooth, almost creamy texture that is an interesting match for the malt profile. Very minimal alcohol heat as well, instead relying on the clean bitterness to lengthen the finish. 4/5

Overall: Unexpected synergies, with some nicely balanced flavors that manage to get along despite their divergence from convention. Perhaps a little less distinct than it could be, though. 4/5