Here at Barrels and Mash we’ve decided to go back to some of our favorite Oklahoma brews that came out before we started this blog and give them a review. Our one-year anniversary has come and gone and perhaps it makes one think about old friends. Today we have another one of my go-to beers from COOP, the hoppy and unique Native Amber.

Company: COOP Ale Works

Location: Brewed In Oklahoma City, OK

ABV: 6.1%

IBUs: 55

Style/Description: Amber Ale

Price: $2.50 per 16 oz can

Appearance: Cloudy dark copper pour, big fluffy head and clinging lace. Rising bubbles churn out the aroma.

Nose: Some sweet bready and toasted malts blend with piney woody hops.

Taste: Biscuity caramel malts mingle with big bitter hops. Resins and citrus zest, spicy and lightly grassy. Some sugar cookie malts and sweetness underlie the floral resinous hops. A very balanced beer, simultaneously quite hoppy and malty, but neither win out. A medium sticky mouth and a nice carb round out the mouthfeel on this quaffable ale.

Finish: Nice crisp finish, with a lightly persistent malt character on the back of the palate.

Overall: I have always liked Native Amber, a uniquely hopped amber ale with plenty of malt backbone to differentiate it from an IPA, but much hoppier than your average amber. Easy to drink with plenty of flavor to keep it interesting.

Rating: 3.5/5