Sundance Amber Ale

Welcome to possibly my favorite genre of that cool beverage we call beer: the Amber Ale. I like ambers for their variety - they can consist of so many great flavors and still be called an 'Amber.' They are typically robust, flavorful beers that beg to be drank at almost any occasion.

This one is certainly distinct from many I've enjoyed. A deep copper color, it is said to be the color of a Colorado Sunset. Ok - maybe stretching it a bit far, but that's what Boulder Beer Company says. Boulder Beer is the first microbrewery in Colorado - sock that away in your trivia bank for a rainy day.

A first sip reveals notes of smoke and roasted barley, with a strong yet warm malt taste, a signature of any good amber. Further progression yields a full body and an almost dry finish. I like it. There are the classic elements of a great amber with Boulder's own little twist on it. Nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary. Definitely a pretty versatile brew.

Sundance won a Silver Medal at the 2000 World Beer Cup, an annual competition of over 2000 beers. More than 500 brewers participate in this annual event, and it is always stiff competition.

If you like beers that have flavor, you'll like this one. The roasted barley and flavorful hops make for quite a well rounded taste - you won't be disappointed. While not the best amber I've had, it certainly distinguishes itself among the others.

Character: 17 - original, but not outstanding. Plenty to love here, but the components leave you wanting just a little bit more to spice things up.
Exclusivity: 16 - Found at most liquor stores around the midwest. I'm not sure how widely Boulder distributes, but this is one of your more 'average' ales. Most people wouldn't go pick it up, so extra cool points for that.
Flavor: 18 - Different enough to be distinguished. Everything is well balanced and sophisticated.
Originality: 18 - Boulder was the first real microbrewery in Colorado, and they like to brag about it. This particular beer is pretty unique among the ambers I've tried.
Versatility: 19 - As said before, this one can be drank pretty much year round. Not too filling, light and crisp, yet robustly flavored makes for a perfect year-round selection.

Total: 88 of 100

Beer: Boulder Sundance Amber Ale
Alcoholic Content: 4.8% ABV
Brewed by Boulder Beer Company, Boulder, Colorado
Amber Ale
Reviewed by: Jameson Huckaba