Tröegs Hopback Amber Ale - Tröegs Brewing Company

tobelerone

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I liked this beer out of the bottle and liked it even more from this brewery fresh growler. It’s very much the same but the body felt a little fuller, the carbonation is moderate, and there’s an appealing smoothness and creaminess that’s somewhat absent in the bottled version. Otherwise it’s the same beer at the height of freshness.

Amber color, as expected; decent cap of white foam; solid lacing. Sweet caramel malt and mostly piney hops in the nose; some orange and grapefruit citrus notes as well.

Flavor follows the nose; quite hoppy for an amber and tastes essentially like Nugget Nectar light. Sweet caramel and bread flavors from the malt; a nice mix of pine and citrus hops. Grapefruit and orange mix with emerging floral notes. Very balanced; moderately bitter; semi-dry, with a lingering mix of sweet and bitter in the aftertaste.

A solid hoppy amber that’s even better in a fresh growler!

Serving type: growler

07-11-2012 22:51:23 | More by tobelerone

DoctorB2B

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Fresh from Troegs brewery courtesy of ViciousKnish.

Appearance: crystal clear copper hue, slight off-white head

Smell: Fresh hops as expected, not overwhelming but a definite presence.

Taste: Light malt sweetness, back with a bit of bitterness from the Nugget & Cascade.

Overall: Even though this beer wouldn't be classified as sessionable, I would drink this beer over and over again. It's light enough to do that, yet loaded with enough flavor to really make this an attractive brew.

Serving type: growler

07-05-2011 03:36:42 | More by DoctorB2B

oglmcdgl

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A pulled pint at sptr on a beautiful saturday afternoon.

A- two good fingers of thick frothy head on top of a copper orange brew.

S- malt forward with caramel and sweet breads not the gland.

T- lots of malt sweetness with again caramel and toffee. The hops strike a nice balance between citrus and pine.

M- super smooth and rich but off the hand pump I would hope for that.

D- its a quafable one for sure I might just need to get another one. Paired beautifully with the roasted pork sandwich I had.

Serving type: growler

05-15-2010 21:58:03 | More by oglmcdgl

Clydesdale

District of Columbia

4.38/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a deep, clear bronze-copper color. The tall head has a light tan color with a dense, frothy and creamy texture. Retention is good, with very nice lacing.

S: Floral and citric hop notes are juicy and vibrant, with some spiciness lingering in the background. Hints of orange oil and fresh floral characteristics. A significant caramel malt aromas is also present.

T: Substantial caramel notes accompany a moderately full sweetness. A bit of sweet breadiness as well. Hop flavors are zesty and enticing, with orange/citrus, floral, and spicy notes. Bitterness is firm, adding excellent balance to the malt. Hoppy for an amber ale.

M: Medium bodied. Carbonation is soft and creamy. A flash of hoppy dryness into the finish.

D: A very, very easy drinker here. This can simultaneously satisfy cravings for malty and hoppy beers. Tasty and well-balanced, with an aggressive hop character for the style. This beers surprises me a little more each time I have it.

Serving type: growler

03-14-2010 00:31:44 | More by Clydesdale

BittererPlease

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Growler poured into a mug.

A good pour leaves you with a nice light head.

It has a beautiful amber appearance with a deap red tint in my wider mug.

Great hop taste, just bitter enough, but not too much.

Leaves the mouth wanting for more, great drinkability. Allows you to get a stronger taste than your pale ale and lets you consume a few more bottles than an IPA would.

The hop back system is quite interesting, take the tour, they allow you to 'play' with the hops!

Highly enjoyable, great from the growler, from the tap at the troegs brewery or your local bar, and not too shabby from a bottle either. In my personal opinion, it tasted the best from a growler, which was consumed about 6 hours after I purchased it.

This beer has become an addiction for me.

Cheers

Serving type: growler

11-07-2008 15:25:25 | More by BittererPlease

TonyT

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Growler from the Troegs Brewery
Poured into Hop Back Glass

A- Brilliant Amber color. Two finger head, nice and fluffy. Hanging lacing the entire way down the glass.

S- Nice Light hop smell, malt sweetness poking through.

T- Great. Crisp with a silky sweetness. The hops and malts intertwine with each other with a nice hop bitterness hitting at the end. The sweetness is in line with the smell.

M- Silky malts leave sweetness from middle to back. Sticky hops stay with you. Not heavy, not thin, right in the middle. Dryness remains in the front end also.

D- This is a very drinkable brew (going well with the Phillies/Dodgers NLCS game- Go Phillies). I keep coming back to this beer. It holds its own in the world of ales.

Troegs HopBack - You are tried and true.

Serving type: growler

10-10-2008 01:18:29 | More by TonyT

ckaufman

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Growler into a Troegs Hopback glass...

A: Clear reddish copper in color with a nice frothy off-white head. Very good head retention and minimal lacing, however the lace that is present is super sticky on the inside of the glass.

S: A good blend of pine and floral notes in the nose with a noticeable amount of roasted malts trailing behind the hops.

T: This beer has excellent balance between the roasted malts in the front and its dry bitter finish. Lots of hop flavor, but very subtle in its bitterness.

M: Nice medium body with a resinous feel in the mouth. Medium carbonation that tickles the tongue.

D: A very nice smooth drinking beer that is very sessionable. I don't get bored with this beer even after drinking the entire 2 liter growler. A good "flagship" beer for the Troegs Brewery. Nice work Chris & John... keep it up!

Serving type: growler

10-04-2008 15:14:17 | More by ckaufman

MaltyGoodness

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Growler filled today @ the brewery.

Pours a clear rich amber color with a medium white head that thins. Thick lacing on the glass.

Aroma is largely piney hops, but some caramel maltiness shines through. Smells very balanced, and much hoppier than expected from an amber.

Mild maltiness upfront followed by a nice piney hop flavor and medium bitterness. Finishes rather clean with only a slight lingering hop taste. Very balanced.

Medium body, plenty of carbonation. Slick texture.

This is an easy drinking beer. It pushes the limits of an amber, and could easily be mistaken for an APA. Either way, it's damn good.

Serving type: growler

04-23-2006 00:48:39 | More by MaltyGoodness

MistahBeah

Massachusetts

3.96/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Appearance: Clwar amber with a creamy filmy head. Healthy dose of carbonation throughout. Good amount of lacing

Aroma: Dank hops and sweet caramel malts. Fruity. I smell mango and apricot. Oranges and maybe a whiff of sweet bananas. Floral grassy notes too

Taste: Sweet at first. Lots of sugary caramel and sweet fruits like apples, juicy melon, some citrusy oranges. Toasty bread malts. There's some grassy hop profile and some tart grapefruit but as it warms it stays sweet longer. The finish has a hint of pine and a touch of lemon. Very nice

Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium body. Slightly carbonated. A little slick

Overall: This is a prime example of a beer becoming a totally different animal as it warms. When I first poured it from my fridge it had a huge hop flavor. As it got nearer to room temperature the hops gave way to sweet fruity malts. Another solid offering from Troegs

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2013 03:06:20 | More by MistahBeah

utopiajane

New York

4.39/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Pours a clear orange amber with 2 fingers of light foam that fell off quickly to some picturesque splotchy rings of lace. Nose is mild and cheerful with gentle citrus, floral hops and a generous, forward malt presence. The malt profile kept expanding as the beer warmed. Hearty bready biscuit, round and toasted, then honey toffee sweetness. It’s slightly whimsical how all that strong malt character gently kisses the bright grassy hops. Taste is perfection. Smooth, light, lively; moderate for all it’s malt backbone. Deeply flavorful. Succulent hops finish dry but not really too bitter with a slick mouth coating and a little pine. This is an enticing amber with plenty of character that you could happily drink all day.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2013 08:42:26 | More by utopiajane

BurgeoningBrewhead

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into becker pint glass. Clear darker amber with a medium-thin white head that fades a bit into a tight disc of foam on top of the beer. Smells of sweet caramel malts and floral/fruity hops. Slight hint of piney hop bitterness, but not much. As the head continues to diminish it leaves tons of lacing. Taste is lots of clean, bready crackery malts, with some sweet fruity hops and a tiny pinch of bitterness at the very end for a nice crisp finish. Awesomely drinkable, another winner from Troegs.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2013 00:22:40 | More by BurgeoningBrewhead

WissBrauSean

Pennsylvania

4.29/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

I poured this beer cold and the glass instantly collected condensation from the humidity in my highrise cabin. It poured a crystal clear amber colour with a full one finger head that fell to a thick ring and full cap on top of the beer and leaves what looks like the view of all the heads and shoulders of a very crowded room of people. Weird!

Aromas of caramel malt and piney/citrusy hops are most noticeable at first and then as it warms some bread and tropical fruits pop up.

Balance is the name of the game with this beer! All through the sip the caramel malt character is present and so are the piney/citrusy hops which start off solid, fade a bit and then finish solid. A smooth breadiness as well as fruit like mango appear towards the middle of the sip and finally a mild bitter from the same hops finish the beer off with a hint of spice.

It's a pretty refreshing and smooth mouthfeel both mildly sweet and slightly hoppy dry and a thin to medium body. The finish is pretty neat and dry. A slight slick feeling on the tongue, but only very slight. Hop resins? I've read that the body on this beer is fuller on draught and would love to try it from the tap!

Overall I find this beer exceptional! I would recommend it as a crossover into hoppy beers as it is delightfully easy to drink and whets the hop appetite as well. A solid 4.25 is due for this beer!

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2013 01:49:35 | More by WissBrauSean

dar482

New York

4.39/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

It comes in a dark amber color.

The aroma has big juicy hop aroma, sweet honey orange, mango, peach.

The flavor follows with those tropical fruits and a smooth crystal malt flavor, then a light hop bitterness. It tastes like a laid back Nugget Nectar, which makes sense as this is the base beer where they then hop the beer crazy to get Nugget. Less crystal malt sweetness from the beer and the bitterness comes through more. It's crazy to say, but from the many times I've had Nugget, but I prefer this smooth flavor, less sweetness, and the wonderful hops.

What a fantastic drinkable beer. Great flavor with hops and the crystal malt sweetness.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2013 08:22:17 | More by dar482

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: ?
Recent tasting from a bottle; fresh, per the bottle date.

Very nice and simple amber ale. Brownish amber in color, with a somewhat aggressive pour giving a large, healthy white head that retained nicely. Caramel malts in the nose, with a good dose of crisp piney/citrusy hops. Taste was similar, more complex than your typical amber ale, even if nothing surprising going on; bready malts, caramel, nice hop bite with notes of pine and citrus pith, for a good sense of balance. Light-medium body, crisp and enjoyable, and about as spot-on for the style as you can get.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 05:29:10 | More by Rifugium

lsummers

California

4.04/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a bright copper but still thick enough to not be clearly seen through. One finger slightly tan head that is fairly frothy. Dissipates with some good lacing.

Smells of malty, creamy, caramel sweetness with some of that citric piney hop note mixed in.

Taste is malty and hoppy right away. It's really balanced with more of the caramel and molasses creamy malt notes coming through than hop bitterness. It melds well with the tropical piney hops. The sweet caramel malts really do shine in this beer and help it to be really unique. It's fairly hoppy but not over bitter in any way.

Mouthfeel is zingy and smooth. Possibly even a tough light in body but I don't mind. This is quite drinkable.

Overall, it's a great example of a red ale. The hops could throw some off but could be a gateway for hoppier styles as well. It's fairly balanced in my opinion and isn't just a sweet malt bomb.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 05:11:59 | More by lsummers

WanderingFool

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hopback Amber Ale pours a clear bronze color with a moderate sized creamy head on top. As the foam dissolves it leaves behind a netted pattern of lace on the glass.

The aroma is fruity with some tropical fruit notes, caramel, and hoppy orange citrus mixed in.

Each sip of this medium bodied beer is soft, creamy with moderate carbonation. The flavor is well balanced, but leans toward the malt. Caramel, bread, tropical fruit are followed by some spice. It finishes mildly bitter with a flavor of pine and citrus. Once gone the caramel malt and bread lingers on the palate.

This is an easy drinking beer that would go great with a meal or to drink on a snowy winters night.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 23:35:22 | More by WanderingFool

SportsandJorts

Michigan

4.04/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Appearance: a burnt orange color. a bit hazy. small tannish head that slowly fades

Smell: a wide variety depending on temp and the likes. notes of earthiness, or citrus, caramel malts, and bread. the hops aren't quite as noticeable in the scent though

Taste: pretty complex blend. caramel malts, some toasty bread, citrus hops, some earthiness, and a stronger spiciness.

Mouthfeel: a little heavier than i'd prefer for this type. and a bit sticky. i would prefer a bit more sessionable and crisp

Overall: a solid offering and a good start to checking out a different brewery. tasty and well crafted. hope to get my hands on some more Troegs while on the east coast. Wish Nugget nectar was available too.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 02:34:19 | More by SportsandJorts

barczar

Kentucky

4.05/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Pours a clear amber with a frothy one inch light khaki head that dissipates slowly, leaving modest lacing.

Aroma is initially woody and earthy, with caramel malt sweetness, pine, and hints of citrus adding complexity.

Flavor reveals stronger citrus character underlying a fairly sweet, caramelly, bready, toasted malt backbone. The finish is slightly bitter, peppery, and fairly dry. Tangerine, pineapple, mango, and lime emerge. There's a bit of earthiness present.

Body is moderate, with moderate carbonation. There's a touch of astringency at the finish.

Good balance of flavoring hop and malt character for the style. Avoids being cloyingly sweet and overly bitter.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 22:31:35 | More by barczar

migwell

Massachusetts

4.04/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

'Note its characteristics.' Well, sorry if I lack the palate and refinement to comment in the prescribed fashion on a good beer here, ('...white grape, black tea, lychee and bubblegum. bitter rye and tropical fruit flavors. the palate is smooth and sticky with a jelly texture...') but I leave the parsing of taste to the more 'refined' beer snobs. Myself, I like to drink beer, and good beer at that.

Of which, this is one. A real desert island beer, satisfying, not cloying after a few, but holding its own. Clean, clear, and refreshing... 'clear', that is, if you like dark meat.

Troeg's is quite the brewery, and they're on the right track with this one!

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2013 21:47:49 | More by migwell

BrewMaven

New York

4.09/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

I haven't had too many red ales but with a name like HopBack, this had to be tried!

Deep, clear amber with a soapy head that dropped to a cover, then a ring leaving splotchy lace.

Hops on the nose...yup...hops. Anyone know a way to amp up ones smelling ability?

Taste was nice and hoppy from the get go, a bit like an APA here. Some malt through the middle with more hops bringing up the rear and lingering for a while.

Mouthfeel is somewhere north of thin with soft carbonation. Nice.

Really enjoyed this and, at 6%, one can have a few and not be debilitated the next morning. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 23:04:46 | More by BrewMaven

BEERMILER12

Maine

4.01/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled 012113

A: Pours a copper/amber color with 2 fingers of slightly off-white head that retains for a while and leaves decent lacing

S: A very nice balance between malts and hops. Get some lighter caramel malts and an earthy/spicy and floral hoppiness

T: Again, very nicely balanced between malts and hops. Earthy and floral hops lead to sweet caramel malts. Finishes lightly sweet

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth and lightly rich

O: A nice amber with great balance. Plenty of flavor as well as ease of drinkability. One of the better year-round ambers out there

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2013 01:58:28 | More by BEERMILER12

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.73/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Served in an oversized wine glass here at Croxley's Ale house.

Appearance: A real nice darker amber, heavy bubbles on the body. Head (off-white)is pretty strong on the pour but then again it's off the tap coming just a notch over a finger length.

Smell: light hops, comes off almost like the wet hip infusion type of scent.

Taste: Very rich hops, slight citrus to it that makes it feel bitter but then also sour. Strong in flavor but not in alcohol, which makes this easy to repeat over and over.

Mouth: a slight dryness to it but still sticking that grazes the surface if quality to an IPA. Medium to heavy, toasty and smooth.

Overall: This brew is an easy to go to if its a available by you. Might seem strong but it's the hops that seem a bit too much, my opinion it's just fine. Salud.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2013 06:24:56 | More by BlurryVisi0n

nimrod979

Maryland

3.98/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

One of the first craft beers I tried way back yonder. First time I've had it in quite some time, Looks like it says bottled 12/1/12. Anyways, poured into a Tröegs pint glass.

Appearance: Deep clear amber. One finger of beige head. Pretty good retention and some nice lacing here and there.

Aroma: Spicy, floral hop notes, hints of orange peel. Toasted and caramel malt.

Taste: Nice little floral hop spiciness leads off. Toasted, bready caramel malt creaminess bats clean up. End of the lineup brings some of that dry, spicy hoppiness back in mixed with a little citrus zest. Fine, well-crafted and balanced beer.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a tight carbonation. That hop bite tingles the tongue a little but is kept in check with smooth malt balance. Somewhat of a dry finish. Could knock back a few of these...

Still a solid reliable beer. A good starting point. if you wanna get someone into craft. Worked for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 23:47:32 | More by nimrod979

Flounder57

Massachusetts

3.94/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Having on draft at the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth, MA. Served in a pint glass.

Appearance: This beer poured a small head that reduced to a thin layer. It is an amber color with good clarity and bubbles coming up through the glass. Super nice lacing on the glass as the beer was drank too.

Smell: Caramel and toasted malts and citrus aromas.

Taste: More toasted than caramel malts in the palate. Citrus hops are mildly in the rear.

Mouthfeel: chewy, medium to full bodied, medium carbonation, a bit of a dry finish, and easy to drink.

Overall: Pretty solid amber. Got to love their spring lineup beers.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2013 04:10:01 | More by Flounder57

david_alien

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured into "pint" tumbler, decent 1 inch white head that hangs around for awhile before leaving behind a bit of nice sticky lace. Color is a rich copper, a lovely looking beer.

Smell was slight and more malt forward than I expected, sharpened by the obvious hop presence. Taste is where this beer shines, nice hop bite and floral notes, very fresh tasting and finishing dry. Mouthfeel was medium with a nice carbonation that seem appropriate for this beer. A great tasting beer, will be having more by Tröegs.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 20:09:06 | More by david_alien