Green Lakes Organic Ale - Deschutes Brewery

beertunes

Washington

4.83/5  rDev +28.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into bubble pint glass. Poured a clean, clear, bright, copper color. Poured less than an inch of slightly off-white head. A pleasing amount of semi-sticky lacing. A solid malt aroma with a very pleasing hop tang. The flavor is reliable, a solid, full-bodied pleaser with just enough hop tang to make you pay attention. As stated, a solid body that will faithfully support the hop flirtyness. As drinkable as you could want a beer to be, solid without being an attention whore. Will pair with a lot different foods, and can stand alone while relaxing by the river. This beer will not beat you up, it's a solid, reliable companion.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2009 04:41:14 | More by beertunes

R0man

New Mexico

4.6/5  rDev +22.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I first had this at a Deschutes tasting and was startled as my expectations were low to middling and the beer strutted surprising complexity. I got a six pack to confirm my first impression and was delighted that my expectations, now raised quite a bit, were exceeded yet again. This beer has a wonderful complex interplay between the hops and malts, a subtle lasting sweetness works in tandum with the grass, mineral, and quiet citrus tang of the hops. It is quickly becomming one of my essential session beers, in the company of Black Butte Porter, Sierra Nevada Stout, SA Lager, Anchor Steam and of course Weihenstephan Hefeweizen. Most Ambers bore me to tears, Full Sail is an exception, but if you are in the mood for a well crafted session you could not ask for much more: a beer simultaneously subtle and complex.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2009 02:21:42 | More by R0man

dbalsock

Vermont

4.58/5  rDev +21.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This was one kick-ass amber.

App: Poured dark amber/orange with a 2 finger head and great lacing. The head itself is offwhite. It looks exactly like I would imagine an amber ale to be.

Smell: A mix of caramel malt, cascade hops and bread come together. It's a very well balanced nose, but a little simple on characteristics to keep it from being perfect.

Taste: Very well balanced on the taste as well, as the hops mix with a great malt profile that isn't overloaded on caramel. A hint of roastiness, but so slight it almost isn't there as well as an equally subtle hint of molasses.

Mouthfeel: A great balance of bitterness and sweetness. Very nice body.

Drinkability: This is my new favorite amber. Very well done.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2008 22:59:16 | More by dbalsock

mjurney

Texas

4.51/5  rDev +19.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance:
Copper color, touch of haze. Lots of rising carbonation. Thick rocky head.

Aroma:
Piney and citrus hops, sweet caramel malts.

Taste:
Piney, citrus, slight floral hops. Fruity notes, red apples and pear. Deep caramel malts in the background. Finish is bitter-sweet, clean. Body is medium, soft, slight creamy, smooth, semi-dry.

Overall:
Well made American Amber Ale. Very delicious and highly drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2013 23:46:34 | More by mjurney

SurlyDuff

Oregon

4.47/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A new selection from Deschutes. They have been pouring it at the Public House for half a year (sometimes under other names such as 'scarlet fire') but have just now begun to bottle Green Lakes Organic Ale in 22oz bottles.

Amber/Orange pour with an inch of nice tan head.

Aroma is caramel and malt, though there is a cirtus bite there too.

Flavors are surprisingly complex. Dried fruit, caramel, and bready malt to start, then a dry finish with citrus and florals.

Dangerously Drinkable!

This one is organic too, though Deschutes has others that are as well, despite the label. I am really glad they decided to bottle this one!

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2008 02:18:53 | More by SurlyDuff

joshsbeerblog

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

pours dark copper in glass... aroma of hops jumps out at you, both citrus and piney... very nice. malts in up taste are up front, followed by those delicious hops. superbly balanced. very smooth going down and quite sessionable. i love the hop flavor in this one, and really it is the best organic beer i can remember trying.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2009 00:41:16 | More by joshsbeerblog

rk1080

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I poured this beer into a glass after getting off work. Rich rusty red color and a head that stays frothy, and provides delicious texture, down to the bottom half of the glass. Smells pretty good but does not hint at the exceptional flavor of the beer. Extremely refreshing and satisfies with each sip. Someswhat citrusy flavor with a sweet caramel undertone. I will drink another.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2010 01:02:53 | More by rk1080

MtVernon

Washington

4.38/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Wow... what an excellent brew! I can only buy this at my local Fred Meyer (go figure), and I always try to get it as fresh as possible, by reaching around to the back of the shelf. This is usually a little pricier than the other micros, even when on sale, but, God, it is SO worth it!

This is the very epitome of a perfect Northwest ale. It's just beautiful, first of all - one of the best looking beers ever. Clear ruby-amber, moderate lacing, just the right amount of bubbles.

The flavor is dark, woodsy, hoppy, sweet, and smooth... absolutely delicious. Few beers I've tasted come close. This, for what it is, is right up there with Aventinus, for instance, but is a much different style altogether. There really is no comparison, but suffice it to say, this is a brew of exceptionally high quality. The smoothness and balance, not to mention the fresh, crisp, cascade-hoppy quality make this one second to none.

Be sure to get it as fresh as possible. This is not a German beer, rather it's part of a whole new renaissance of great Northwest U.S. beers. People really know their craft up here, and take it seriously, it seems. I'm from the South, originally, and there is absolutely nothing down there that even comes close of which I am aware. Not every Deschutes brew is nearly this good--but, this one is obviously exceptional. If you see it, buy it. Organic makes a big difference, and with this one, you can REALLY tell. Just delightful!

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2008 04:36:47 | More by MtVernon

cswhitehorse

Oregon

4.35/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The Green Lakes pours a lovely amber color with 1 finger foam head with some nice retention. It leaves some money sudsy lacing.

The aroma is malty with a sweet cookie smell. Some roasted nuts in there as well.

The taste was very delicious. It was malty up front and had a toffee flavor which morphed into the hop bitterness as it ran down the throat. You get a little bit of grassy hop bitterness and caramel as well. This is probably in my top 3 for organic beers.

Serving type: on-tap

01-29-2008 02:45:47 | More by cswhitehorse

xhcadamx

Maine

4.35/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My wife's favorite beer are Amber / Reds so I am constantly seeking a new one.

A - Deep cloudy dark amber with it leanings more toward brown than red. Frothy cream head with spectacular lacing.

S - Earthy hops and bready malt

T- DELICIOUS. So much more than I was expecting from the nose. Nice C hops with biscuit and toasted malts. Nice bitter aftertaste.

M - medium body with a slick finish

D - I would gladly drink a couple more of these.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2008 04:01:52 | More by xhcadamx

Ryan011235

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a snifter on 6/6/10

Best by 7/28/10

Green Lakes has a robust copper hue that borders on ruby. One finger of tannish foam made for a pleasing accompaniment to the color of the beer. The foam dissipates but swirling helps hold a layer of bubbles. A little bit of lacing but not much.

Upon opening the bottle I detected strong notes of orange. Once in the glass I swear it smelled like grape juice, though that impression comes & goes. Otherwise, it has some nice citrus notes; orange & tangerine. Toasted malts & a touch of caramel balance things out. Very faint yeast mustiness hidden in there.

My first impression after taking a sip is how bright of a beer this seems; not at all harsh, it exhibits impressive clarity. There are loads of floral notes upfront that are filled out with citric hops. A wee bit of dry pine bitterness swoops in on the finish. The malt bill seems more retrained than I often find with this style, just a mild-mannered toastiness & hints of caramel. The malt doesn't seem to weight the beer down at all.

Green Lakes is medium bodied but maintains an air of lightness about it. It's crisp for the style & rather clean. Carbonation is a little lower than moderate & is befitting the heft of the beer. The finish is equally clean; a few floral notes & subtle bitterness hang on.

I really, really enjoyed Green Lakes. Organic or otherwise, this is a fine beer. Amber Ales aren't usually one of my go-to beers but I could drink this one with ease on a regular basis. Easily superior to the Cinder Cone Red, in my opinion. Thanks to the dude at Saraveza that told me I should get this instead of some other Deschutes single I picked out; I was too drunk to make this good a call.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2010 02:31:00 | More by Ryan011235

Airyk12

Oregon

4.35/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep amber color, with some orange hints. Foamy, tan head sticks around, leaving laces all down the glass and sticks around.

Smell is a strong mix of hops and malts, with malts being slightly more dominant. Toasted, bready malts make an appearance.

Taste follows the nose, with both the hoppy bitterness and malts keeping each other in check. The toasted flavors add a small amount of complexity to an otherwise amazing beer. Full of flavor and only 5.2% abv.

Mouthfeel is smooth, without falling too flat. Rich and creamy, yet enough carbonation dancing on the tongue to keep your senses interested.

Just a great brew. Not too overpowering on any one flavor, yet strong enough to keep me interested. Great interpretation of the style, with complex flavors and body. A true work of art

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2011 01:04:48 | More by Airyk12

Gueuzedude

Arizona

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours with a frothy, three-finger thick, tan colored head that sits on top of a brilliantly clear, ruby-hued, red colored beer. When held up to the light some copper notes are mixed in with this red beer. This has a nice hop aromatic note to it that is noticeable as I pour this beer, it leans towards light spice, some berry-citrus aromas and a touch of herbal notes. A closer inspection of the nose reveals aromas of candied citrus, toasty grain, sweet berry aromas and a backdrop of herbal pine and green hemp oil that is subtly noticed only at times. I like the vibrant fruit character that the mix of sweet malt and hop character brings to this brew.

Dry up front, but it picks up a soft sweetness that becomes fairly fruity in focus as one moves to the finish where it actually lingers on the tongue for quite some time. Toasty, bread-like and browned cracker flavors are found from beginning to end providing a counterpoint to the sweetness. The hop character is quite present as well; it mixes in with the grain sweetness providing fruit flavors of currants, wild berries, and sweet citrus, but it also tempers the sweetness with sharp herbal notes that have grassy, pine-like with some astringent hemp oil notes as well as providing a light, persistent bitterness towards the late middle and finish of this brew. This beer has a nice heft to it, light enough to be quite drinkable, yet with enough body to carry the hop and malt character quite well. As the beer warms a bit it becomes a bit minty in its hop character and the overall effect of the malt is softened, with the toasty, darker grain notes becoming less noticeable and the sweet, caramelized notes coming a bit more to the fore.

This is a really tasty brew. I really like the mix of hop and malt character here; the hops provide both sharp herbal notes and accenting fruit flavors as well as the typical bitterness, while the malt plays a slightly secondary role, but provides lots of interest and flavor to this quaffable brew. There is nothing over the top or loud about this beer, the characterful malt and hop character just play well here; the flavors and aroma both meld as well as contrast and compete with each other all at about the right time, such that they create a really tasty brew, that is most definitely enjoyed while this is nice and fresh.

Purchased: Plaza Liquors, Tucson AZ

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2008 03:27:58 | More by Gueuzedude

riored4v

Colorado

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed on 9/7/08

Poured into a pint glass. Great, 1-2 finger, rocky, off-white head. Deep golden/brown in color.

Smell was of a mild amount of citrus hops with a nicely balanced maltiness.

Taste had a really good balanced taste. Moderate sweetness with a moderate amount of hops in the finish. Slighty spicey and fruity/citrusy notes.

Mouthfeel was a medium body with an almost cream finish.

Drinkability was excellent. Nice low ABV but a great balanced flavor.

Great session beer. Was on the few ambers I've really enjoyed.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2008 21:23:15 | More by riored4v

olmatty

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance- Pours a white head with minimal lacing and low retention. Beer is a deep, clear reddish brown

Smell- Fresh, cereal grains, light spice of hops

Taste- Fresh tasting. Dry amber malts, hints of cereal, herbaceous hops come into play late and last for quite a while.

Mouthfeel- Crisply carbonated and medium bodied

Drinkability- Smooth, refreshing and easy drinking

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2009 07:37:13 | More by olmatty

jkurtz002

British Columbia (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Served on a beach in an ice cold glass, exhibiting a beautiful brown blonde colour. Smells sweet with a hint of caramel and nut. Low carbonation with almost no head, but extremely smooth going down. Given the 85' temperature I could drink a few of these. Very flavourful with a mild hop aftertaste, shows it's strength when it first hits your taste buds. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 23:23:15 | More by jkurtz002

velosuds

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev +13%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is from the second pour tonight. The first went down too fast to review. I was very thirsty and it was that good. From a 12oz bottle into a clear pint glass. Best by date 11/19/09. Very fresh. Single purchased at local health food store for $1.29.

A-Perfect, or nearly so. Pours an amber copper hue with a two finger, off-white pillowy head that is nearly perfect in its uniformity. Looks suitable for an angel to rest its head. A beautiful looking beer. Deschutes ales pour amazingly consistent heads. Modest lacing.

S-Crystal and Sterling salmon safe hops offer a pleasant hoppy aroma. Balanced by bready and caramel malt notes.

T-Bitter hops awaken, without assaulting, the taste buds. At 45 IBUs, hop presence is the prominent taste, but the bready malts nicely balance this well crafted ale. Deschutes astonishes me.

M-Very smooth and balanced. Nice substance and complexion. Perfect carbonation.

D-This is very drinkable. The first one went down so fast, I had to run to the store for another sixer. Very sessionable at 5.2% ABV.

This is a very good amber ale and the best organic beer I have enjoyed. I've had this many times and critics of organic ales need to try this. It has been amazingly consistent. I constantly seek good organic ales, and I agree that the criticisms are often warranted. But not with Deschutes. This is wonderful and has earned a regular spot in my fridge. I eat mostly organic foods and this brew pairs very nicely. Who would have thought being good to the earth and drinking a great ale could find such harmony? Hat's off Deschutes!

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2009 02:54:12 | More by velosuds

JohnGalt1

Idaho

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz from the Boise Coop for about $4.50 ... enjoyed from a shaker pint.

Nice 1" head and lacing that sticks around for the entire glass... Brew is a very clear Amber-red... deep color... looks nice.

Aroma is toasted malts and mild caramel .. Faint grassy hops with a touch of citrus.... Clean.

Sorta husky (albeit light) .. toasted malt, I would be amazed if a significant portion of Munich was not used... clean hop flavor and good bitter backbone. Not alot of yeasty fruitiness. Descent medium body and expected creamy carbonation.

This is a very good beer... not a knockout.. but very good. Another of the Bond Street series that impresses. I've had quite a few organic brews... and this is right up there with the top.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2007 05:45:54 | More by JohnGalt1

SargeC

Japan

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Deep amber brew with a light tan-gold head.

Smell: Hints of hops good malt presence.

Taste: Great balance. Nice hop presence paired with rich malt flavor.

Mouthfeel: Medium body. Very satisfying consistency.

Drinkablity: Very tasty. Deschutes' special brews continue to impress me.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2008 03:41:10 | More by SargeC

hockeyhead

Colorado

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

poured from bottle into a 8oz sampler glass
A: pours nice orange hugh with a fine mesh tan head with lots of carbination rising
S: carmel malt come through with lots of citris pine hops and little bit of sweetness too
T: starts of dry and bitter then to a sweetness of bready tostieness to a lingering citris malt drying finish
M: medium body with lots carbination on way down but very smooth
D: i can chug lots of these no problem there not too filling and pretty damn good for amber ale but personally i dont think it being organic helped the taste very much

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2010 19:04:27 | More by hockeyhead

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Pours a hazy, vibrant amber color. Produces a finger of creamy off-white head that diminishes down to a thin layer. Leaves good lacing.

S- A really nice bready, sweet malt aroma with caramel and a bit of fruit and some light hops. Smells very tasty.

T- Starts out with a big wave of malts that are bready and grainy malts along with some caramel and nut flavors. Hops are present throughout but really take over towards the end, produces a floral, bitter finish.

M- Medium bodied, the feel is well carbonated and maybe just slightly on the chewy side, very smooth and extremely drinkable.

O- A very solid brew with great aroma and flavors, surprisingly good for an organic beer. Definitely session-worthy.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2011 01:51:13 | More by WillCarrera

Dmart1223

Colorado

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was more complex than I thought it would be.

It's a dark cherry red with a tan head, and it smelled caramel sweet, with a little hint of fruit like bananas (not as much as in a Hefe, though). Smell was different for the type of beer...I liked it.

The taste was also caramel sweet, but with a little bit of smokiness and fruit jumbled all together. A good amount of hop bitterness finished it off.

Green Lakes had a lot more flavor than I'm used to from Amber/Red Ales. Definitely a good beer to start with during the night, since it kept me on my toes.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2012 23:48:47 | More by Dmart1223

ArrogantB

Colorado

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I am usually skeptical about these organic beers, its cool but not really viable so whats the point? Anyway this is a great beer that just happens to be organic. Very nice orange-amber color with a soapy white head. Smells citrusy and tastes fruity and floral. Drinkability is awesome as the bomber was gone quickly. This reminded me of Inversion a little bit. Well done Deschutes!

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2008 15:31:16 | More by ArrogantB

Overlord

California

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I wish I hadn't wasted so long to try this. Remarkably good.

Pours a burnt reddish orange. Off-white head. Nice!

Smells like herbal and earthy hops, with a bit of citrus. Taste is quite nice, with toasted malts, that same herbal/earthiness, a splash of bitter grapefruit and pine ... it's really quite complex. This is a solid beer.

Very drinkable, nice creamy mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2009 08:47:49 | More by Overlord

Birmingham

Kansas

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Aroma: Mild aroma with notes of floral and citrus and malts.

Appearance: It pours clear with a dark copper color with a tall off white head. The Head is creamy (small bubbles) and persistent. The lacing is thick and clings to side of the glass top to bottom.

Flavor: Balanced towards the bitter side. No discernable hop flavor, but the malt backbone is strong and provides a solid canvas for bitterness.

Mouth Feel: It is a full bodied beer with effervescences on the sides of the tongue.

Overall Impression: A beautiful beer brewed to style that exudes quality. I would buy it again if I if it was sold in Kansas City. Personally I would prefer a stronger hop flavor, but then Deschutes brews IPAs and Pale Ales for hop lover like me... I have four more Deschutes beers to taste and I look forward to it.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2009 17:15:47 | More by Birmingham