Amplified Amber – Great Rhythm Brewing Company
New Hampshire is enjoying a booming business: craft brewing of fine beers around the entire state. As mentioned before in this column, NH leads the country in beer sales. That’s quite an accomplishment for a state the size that we are. Also, we can boast that we are one of the fastest growing number-of-breweries in one state as well; 45 and still growing… all for the love of the beer!
Great Rhythm Brewing Co is located in Portsmouth, NH and distributes product in 22 oz bottles. They have been brewing for the public since 2012. Owned by Scott and Kristen Thronton, this couple has a great future in a popular location for beer. In early February, 2013, they poured their first samples at Portsmouth Brew Week. This was a big deal for them since anyone who is anybody important related to beer IS AT Portsmouth Brew’s kickoff on that Saturday at the Gas Light. And they were well received, which of course made them proud of their efforts.
You can research more on GR at their website, http://greatrhythmbrewing.com
“Amplified Amber” is rated at 25 IBU (International Bittering Units) with a 5.0% ABV. Built after a classic American-style amber with complex malt delivery and late hop flavoring of floral and citrus, this beer is a wonderful mouthful of flavor.
A large fluted glass was used and a very rambunctious white creamy head forced a slower pour the first round. This head lingered quite a while with unusual lacing which created an interest in and of itself. With a bit of haze, this deep golden, almost orangey colored brew was inviting. When you bring the glass to your mouth, you will sense malt and more malt, but not sweet, even before you take your first taste.
Only a bit of tartness from bittering hops was noticeable throughout the experience. Balance between maltiness over hops finds the malt prevails, but with this style, that is to be expected.
With three year-round and two specialty beers, this is a brewery to become friends with. You can find it at Case-n-Keg, as well as other fine beer stores. Two on BeerAdvocate.com have rated this beer 3.5 out of a score of 5. It has not received an official BA rating yet. Ratebeer.com folks on the Amplified have a little more to say about it which may help you make your purchase decision.
As the co-owners state on their website, live life to the fullest and enjoy great friends, great music and great craft beer. We know they are enjoying one of these for sure!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to
wickedbrews@weirs.com
