Leinenkugel's Classic Amber - Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

JoLight

Georgia

2.83/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Appearance - amber, with an off-white head.

Aroma - Lightly toasted malts with some bitter hop notes.

Taste - The foundation of the taste is quite all right, consisting of, again, lightly toasted malt. But then I can't help but want to spit it out. The last part of the middle and the end of the taste are both so unpleasant. The bitterness isn't good at all, in my opinion. People compare this to Budweiser American Ale...but I love that and almost really dislike this.

The mouthfeel is light to medium.

Overall, this beer would be okay, but that ending bitterness is just so...shockingly unpleasant. And I do not claim that because I dislike bitter beers, by any means. There is just something about the bitterness of this beer that is so unbalanced, so unpleasant, so...unenjoyable. I like dark beers, too. So that couldn't be the problem.

I don't know...if you're an amber fan, you should try it. I'm not a fan, but I also don't not prefer them, if that makes sense?

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2011 22:31:05 | More by JoLight

boilermakerbrew

Indiana

3.65/5  rDev +17%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- Pours a light amber color. A little light than expected. About a 2 finger foamy head, but doesn't hang around long. Little to no lacing going down.

S- Not a real strong smell. Has a bit of malt smell, hardly any hoppy smell. Maybe a slight hint of pine...

T- Nothing special here when it comes to ambers. It reminds me a lot of Budweiser American Ale, with less cascade hops, and a little more malt. Still a tasty beer, especially for a guy who likes ambers.

M- Just the right amount of carbonation. Fairly light on my palate, I could drink a few fairly quickly, but wouldn't want to start slamming these.

O- I like American Amber style brews, simply put. Almost as good as an American Ale, but not quite there. A solid beer I will drink again.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2011 22:52:13 | More by boilermakerbrew

BucannonXC5

California

2.45/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Drank out of a bottle at a state park in South Dakota. Color was caramel to reddish. Head and film/lacing - N/A.

Smelled just a tad bit better than skunky. Copper seemed to lead the way, followed by caramel.

Pretty average taste. Somewhat malty, but overall pretty weak.

Pretty average, the common theme of this beer. Highly carbonated.

Gave it a semi-gracious 2.5. I wouldn’t try it again on purpose.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 06:26:06 | More by BucannonXC5

weizenbob

Michigan

3.65/5  rDev +17%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce twist-cap brown bottle from a summer variety pack. Best by August 1, 2011. Poured into a pilsner glass. The pour manifests a massive four fingers of foamy khaki head. Retention is moderate. Lacing is minimal. A small amount of lazy carbonation is seen rising through the glass. The tint of the brew is on the lighter side of amber, but still amber none the less. It's nice looking, if a little pale.

The aroma sports a strong scent of lager yeast. Sweet grainy malts rise to the occasion. It's simplistic, but thankfully so. All of the other offerings in this variety pack were plagued by artificial smelling additives. This 'regular old beer' aroma is a welcome departure.

The flavor is also refreshingly simple. Bold (for industrial lager) malts take center stage, covering the tongue in a grainy rinse, containing a pleasantly subtle sweetness. As the amber waves of grain begin to fade out, bitter hops assume the helm. The bitterness is not the least bit overpowering, but does stand in nice contrast with the malts. There is a minor honey-like sweetness that manifests near the end; but for the most part the finish is nice and dry. Alcohol is not detected.

Classic Amber is a pretty light bodied brew. The carbonation level is low, but adequate enough to accentuate the flavor. If the flavor didn't stack up so well, this would surely come off as watery, but the lightness actually suits this simple beer very well. 4.9% abv is keeping it real. This is flavorful refreshment, and the one Leinenkugel beer that I could actually recommend whole-heartedly.
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The Two-Schlitz Scale: (reference my profile for an explanation)
I could flip a coin between this and a Schlitz, so I guess I do give a Schlitz for Leinenkugel Classic Amber.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2011 17:31:03 | More by weizenbob

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I poured this beer into a pint glass, it has a copper body with a 3 inch fizzy white head that stays around for a little while. The smell is sweet and malty with some biscuit coming through. The taste is malty with some bitter hops coming though. The mouth feel is good. Overall this is a decent beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2011 03:38:23 | More by chefhatt

bnes09

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Transparent copper-colored lager. Weak head on the pour and does not last long at all. No lacing.

Some malt in the smell, also beef broth.

Flavor of bread grains. Mild smoky character. Semi-assertive earthy hop.

Fairly thin body. Good carbonation. Crisp finish. Leaves a slick texture on your tongue.

This stuff is alright. Nothing special yet easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2011 19:20:55 | More by bnes09

stewart124

Ohio

3.28/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Orange amber in color with a thin head.

Nose has notes of caramel and biscuit.

Taste has plenty more caramel and amber characters. Drinkable with little hop presence. Medium bodied and a crisp finish. Fairly malty with some fruity esters of pear and apple. This really leans towards an amber ale and originally that's what I thought this was.

This is a nice amber beer and I've enjoyed it more on-tap than in the bottle. It tends to seem a bit fuller-bodied and maltier. Solid but never blows me away.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2011 03:17:46 | More by stewart124

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

2.95/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

The Classic Amber pretty much reminds me of their Red Lager. The pour gives off pretty much the same color and head. It's a redish colored liquid with a little white head. The smell gives off a decent sweet aroma with some grainy malts followed by a light hop aroma as well. The taste is decently bitter with some good malts in the background. The finish is on the dry side. The mouthfeel is light to medium. The beer is drinkable to say the least. It's good for a casual drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2011 19:40:04 | More by Knapp85

flagmantho

Washington

3.3/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 12oz bottle into a pint glass.

Appearance: golden amber hue with a crystal-clear body and plenty of apparent effervescence. head is a thin finger of fizzy tan foam. Pretty nice.

Smell: light malt aroma with a little emphasis on sweetness. Not super character-ful, but pretty nice nonetheless.

Taste: mild malt flavor with a little bit of biscuit and a balancing bitterness. Not bad, but there's a hint of a soapy flavor here which, while not horrible, is a little off-putting.

Mouthfeel: medium-light body with a decent level of carbonation. More fizzy than creamy, but it's still got a nice refreshing feel to it.

Overall: this is a decent amber lager which would make a great barbecuing beer. It's got a little bit of character, but it is refreshing and sessionable as well.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2011 15:17:34 | More by flagmantho

ForWhatAlesYou

Minnesota

3.5/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle into a Leinie's pint glass

A: Respectable 1-1 1/2 finger foamy head. Deep, nearly perfect amber color.

S: Very malty. Little else. A little sugar sweetness.

T: Bitter actually starts then fades. Bits of bread, vegetation, and a little creaminess. Good but nothing strikes out.

M: High carbonation.

D: Very drinkable as an "almost macro" with a good flavor profile.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2011 01:58:08 | More by ForWhatAlesYou

cooch69

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +26%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a light copper amber with no head but a tiny tiny bit of lacing. Fair bit of carbonation.

Nose of toasted biscuity malts and some herbacious hoppiness. Smells slightly sweet and buttery.

Taste is lightly toasty biscuity malts. The hops shine through in this beer more than most other macro produced amber lagers. This beer was a bit similar to Yuengling but perhaps a tad more hops in this one. I still like Yuengling a little better though.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 02:58:00 | More by cooch69

haddon

Kentucky

3.95/5  rDev +26.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

on draft at Buffalo Wild Wings.

rusty red in color with a thick frothy head.

not a lot of notes on the nose but lagers are never known for their complexity: roasted grains, malts & light hoppy aromas

very light citrus taste that has a sweet and malty aftertaste. nice balance.

rich and creamy for an amber. medium body with good amount of carbonation

this is true to class and I was pleasantly surprised. glad to have it on draft, not sure I would enjoy as much out of the bottle. found it quite drinkable and would have again.

Serving type: on-tap

04-05-2011 17:53:28 | More by haddon

Looneybiz

Ohio

2.05/5  rDev -34.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Poured into a pint glass and it looks good. A light semi-transparent amber hue with a one finger head and a wee bit of lacing.

Smell was feint but matly.

The taste is what made me grade this beer so low. Now I have rated some of leinenliugal's beers higher than the average but not this one. I like amber beers but was not impressed with this at all. It has a very metallic taste that comes across as bad bitter, not to be confused with good bitter.

I'm a huge fan of amber lagers but I'll pass on this one.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2011 05:18:17 | More by Looneybiz

secondtooth

Indiana

3.28/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pale gold/amber,with a large head of white foam. Superb (and surprising) lace.

Aroma is yeasty, biscuity, bread.

Tastes mild, with a little nuttiness and bread. Some bitterness at the finish, so the hops are accounted for.

Drinkable, but overall a very average amber ale.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2011 06:17:27 | More by secondtooth

lwillitz

Florida

3.45/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12-oz bottle poured into Samuel Smith "Tulip" pint glass

A - very transparent, light amber color with 2-finger slightly off-white head. Head dissipates farily quickly. Very minimal lacing.

S - citrus, apple, caramel, grains

T - grainy and citrusy, like the smell; quite bitter

M - light-bodied, average carbonation

O - This is not a terrible beer, but I would probably not purchase it by the case.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2011 00:59:39 | More by lwillitz

sweett3k

Michigan

2.93/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

The days are getting longer and warmer and saw a Summer Sampler 12 pack $11.99 so I figure I would give it a go. I used to drink quite a bit of Leines back in my Coast Guard days(1997) in Duluth, MN. Leines was the first "hand crafted micro brews" I had ever tasted. We would buy in wax box bar cases. Pretty Awesome wish I could still do that. I thought it was the best back then but only now recognize it as a gateway beer to better beers. So thanks. Classic Amber is a great looking golden caramel. Pours with a great head that dissipates quickly. Tones of grains and apple. Taste water down but I guess you could make this a hot summer day light session beer. I always think Leinenkugel's is best enjoyed on a canoe or around a campfire.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2011 22:13:12 | More by sweett3k

knm

New Mexico

2.93/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a nice color, but a little light for an amber. Crystal clear, a light head and good carbonation. Smells of yeast and grain, but only very mildy. Taste is clean, but a little to smooth for this variety. Not alot of malts, and somewhat watery...So on the plus side, drinkability will be up.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2011 23:37:59 | More by knm

brunrn1

New Jersey

2.88/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Had this at an octoberfest, drank alot of it actually. Not bad but not great. It;s not a bitter beer, it takes a little getting used too.

But left me with a full feeling and tired and a bad headache. Not something i would sit at a bar and order. Something new to try though.

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2011 14:18:42 | More by brunrn1

metter98

New York

3.13/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is clear light amber in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a thin off white head that quickly faded away leaving lacy patterns of bubbles on the surface.
S: There are light aromas of caramel and grainy malts in the nose along with some notes of corn.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has some notes of malty sweetness, although this is balanced for the most part with hints of bitterness from the hops.
M: It feels light-bodied and watery on the palate with a light to moderate amount of carbonation.
D: I had no problem consuming this beer but there was nothing special about the taste that would make me want to try another one.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2011 01:01:45 | More by metter98

NODAK

Tennessee

3.15/5  rDev +1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Somewhat sweet aroma with toffee and caramel on it. Pretty unremarkable as a whole though, not too strong.

Has a slight sweetness on the body...toffee and caramel. Pretty restrained however. There's a good amount of bready biscuit that comes through after that, and has the most flavor of anything in the beer. There's also a small but noticeable herbal hoppiness that hits slightly and dances on the tongue. This makes the finish fairly dry.

All in all....rather average I suppose. It doesn't excel nor offend in any way.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2011 02:24:48 | More by NODAK

womencantsail

California

3.08/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: The pour is a pretty light/watered down amber color with a thin ring of white foam.

S: Definitely a lager yeast aroma to it with some toast and a touch of grain. A touch of caramel and maybe bread. There might be a little bit of orange zest to it too. Smells kind of stale, though.

T: Fairly bitter, which I wasn't expecting. Orange peel, toasted bread, and some toffee. There's maybe even a bit of coffee and chocolate notes to it. A touch astringent, perhaps.

M: The body is light with a moderate to high level of carbonation.

D: Not really all that horrible, but I can't see that it's something I really want to drink again.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2011 23:57:18 | More by womencantsail

Adamthome1

Nebraska

2.5/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Pours a light amber color, mildly roasty in the nose

flavor follows suit, mild burnt caramel notes, very mild indeed, some black liquorish, the beer is somewhat approachable due to the higher hop flavor than other cheap alternatives to amber.

It is well balanced there's just not much flavor going on

It is pretty well balanced just not much flavor to speak of, a basic example of this style

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2011 03:08:13 | More by Adamthome1

Schneic8

Ohio

3.53/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a mug

Appearance: Nice amber/caramel color with a nice 1-2 inch head that disappeared quickly. A medium amount of carbonation.

Smell: A bit of caramel and a hint of nuttiness.

Taste: It has a sweet caramel/fruity flavor initially with a slight bitterness throughout until the end. Taste's a little watered down but overall a good beer.

Mouthfeel: Mild carbonation that has a light feel and is crisp. It has a thin feel with not a whole lot of depth.

Drinkability: Easy beer to drink. It would be good on a hot summer day. I was hoping for a little more flavor but overall pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2011 21:45:41 | More by Schneic8

nukem5

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle

A: Pour was very nice had me licking lips ready to taste the beauty of beer.Slightly cloudy amber in color.

S: Above average, light malts and caramel fill the nose, some light hops

T: Sweet malty balanced with some spicey hops.Has a lightly bittered aftertaste. Very nice everyday beer makes me envy those who live there near the brewery and can enjoy it everyday.

M: Nice medium body with a full flavor.Some decent lacing down glass walls with a average carbonation level.

D: good evryday beer and one that should be enjoyed everyday.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2011 23:54:08 | More by nukem5

gopens44

Virginia

3.28/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Clear and slightly coppery with a thin foamy head

S - Slightly, delicately hoppy in the nose with a yeasty presence as well.

T - A touch tart, some bitterness, but mostly biscuity.

M - Thin, dry and very carbonated.

Not bad, but not great. It would do well when the selection is poor.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2011 13:38:03 | More by gopens44