River Horse Special Ale Amber - River Horse Brewing Co.

Amalak

New York

4.1/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had off the tap at Wicked Monks in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Nice deep red/brown color. Thick foamy, off-white head which leaves a good deal of lacing. Very slight malty scent.

This has a very pleasant nutty taste. A slight bit of chocolate. Some bitter hops, but slight. There's a soapy aftertaste in there. A slight sweetness. It's a dry taste, almost like a cask.

Nicely complex with nothing overbearing.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2011 15:58:27 | More by Amalak

TheBigBoy

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Solid Brew...Have had several River Horse's over the years with mixed results. By far this is the best beer that I've had from this brewery.

Good Amber/Red beer flavor that's slightly crafty but not overpowering at all. COuld not drink these all night but definitley 2-3 not a problem.

Do give this one a try, if tasty amber/red beers are your thing. You will be happy with this one.

Serving type: on-tap

11-01-2011 14:18:07 | More by TheBigBoy

DrunkinYogi

Connecticut

3.61/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours a medium dark and cloudy mahogany brown with lots of suspended particles and a 3/8 inch head that rapidly fades to a thin layer.
S - Slightly malty hints of caramel
T - A nice balance of bitterness fading to a sweet finish
M - Medium to full bodied
0 - That's Special .... although I can not tell if it's Dana Carvey's or George Carlin's voice that I hear this beer in.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 04:52:16 | More by DrunkinYogi

KTCamm

New Jersey

3.78/5  rDev +5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

River Horse variety pack. Twelve ounce bottle into a pint glass.

Pours medium dark brown, some red hints. Some white foam. Strong caramel smell. Toffee. Taste is alight sweet caramel with a modest bite. Hints of butterscotch. Light mouthfeel from the modest carbonation. Good amber.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 20:12:51 | More by KTCamm

smiga

New Jersey

3.38/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

I am a fan of Amber Ales (the original Red Tail Ale, etc) but this beer let me down in the same ways that RiverHorse lets me down. They're off my buy list now.

For starters, it has the medicinal aftertaste their beers had in the variety pack. A kind stinky, long lasting, stale flowers/ horse stall kind of aroma, which is really quite distinct even in the empty glass afterwards. More expected in the strong scotch ale but now that I've tried the 4th in the pack, it's damning. Perhaps (I am in nj) I got a bad pack?

A: Like all their beers this one is a pretty color and pours a great head with good retention. This one laces very well. The beer is a hazy, dark amber, mahogonay, pleasant to look at, with moderate visible carbonation. It poured two fingers high beige colored head that has good retention and leaves a short head covering the surface and lots of lacing.
S: The appearance and the nose are the best parts.
Toasty, moderate aromas of malts and earthy yeast. Rich.

T: The taste has flavors of caramel and toasted malts along with earthy yeast. A light amount of bitterness is present. The earthiness lingers through the finish, almost too much so. Not refreshing or tingly enough.

M: Smooth, medium bodies, but leaving that horsey after taste and coating that RH beers do. Not making me a fan!

O: Very complex and flavorful, but not fresh tasting. More stale tasting and horse stall. Will not rush to consume the rest, but want to give it one more try.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 02:09:48 | More by smiga

Huffs

New York

4.38/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured to a nice, dense biscuit colored head which laced well and lasted. Appearance was a hazy with a reddish / amber color. Aroma was grainy with hints of malt, fruit and grass. Taste was of a strong malt and caramel front and finishing with a hoppy bitterness, kind of a grain finish. Mouthfeel was medium and carbonated. Aftertaste was dry and bitter. I liked this beer a lot, one of the best amber lagers I've had.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 01:49:41 | More by Huffs

metter98

New York

3.7/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

A: The beer is slightly hazy and a dark shade of amber in color with a moderate amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a finger high beige colored head that has very good retention properties and left a short head covering the surface and lots of lacy rings of bubbles down the sides of the glass.
S: Light to moderate aromas of toasted malts and earthy yeast are present in the nose.
T: The taste has flavors of caramel and toasted malts along with earthy yeast. A light amount of bitterness is present. The earthiness lingers through the finish.
M: It feels a bit shy of being medium-bodied on the palate with a little smoothness and a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: I liked the malty nature of this beer because there were just enough hops to help balance this off and keep things drinkable. It's pretty tasty for a beer with a low abv.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 04:06:51 | More by metter98

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle, poured into my New England Brewing Co. tulip.

River Horse's Amber Ale pours a dark mahogany, more brown ale like in color. Some amber highlights are appreciable though. Just over two fingers of very light tan colored foam fill the glass, threatening to spill out. Head retention is above average, and rings of lacing are left encircling the glass. The nose has a good bit of biscuit to it, joined by a little caramel. There's a definite herbal and floral hop aroma as well. The flavor follows that same blueprint pretty faithfully. Lots of biscuity malts upfront, joined by just a little bit of caramel sweetness. The bitterness that follows is noticeable, but not abrasive. The hop character in the finish is decidedly English, very earthy and herbal. The body is firm, but not overbearing. The carbonation though is a bit dull, making the mouthfeel come across as a little flat. River Horse Amber Ale is a pretty good beer, maybe my favorite so far that I've had from them.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 04:18:10 | More by axeman9182

GiantMidget

Pennsylvania

2.58/5  rDev -28.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Another of a variety pack of River Horse, been in my fridge for about 2 weeks now.

In a pint glass, the head maybe 2 fingers, below average lacing.

There is really nothing that differentiates this from many other amber's that I've tried.
Typical smell of a floral and slight citrus nature.

Balanced malt flavor, nothing too extraordinary. I almost detect some sort of medicinal aftertaste like I had just drank some nighttime medicine or something.

Very low ABV, which would make it nice on a warm day to throw a few back, however I would not jump at this at the top of my list.

I will also say that the mouthfeel was not one I enjoyed very much. Very high carbonation leaving a full bodied almost burning feel when lingering.

Some enjoy this type of amber so I wouldn't deter those for trying it but again, not my beer of choice.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 01:50:01 | More by GiantMidget

SolipsismalCat

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a pint glass.

A: Slightly hazy dark amber with one-finger, off-white, creamy head that lasted a couple of minutes. Okay lacing.

S: Roasted malt and earthy hops. Mild.

T: Light to moderate sweetness and light bitterness. Roasted malt with a little bit of hops.

M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation.

O: The beer looks nice, but nothing stands out.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 02:07:27 | More by SolipsismalCat

JayQue

Virginia

3.55/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Fairly Average Amber Ale. Looks great and has a low abv. WOuld be a worthy session beer.

Pours a dark amber color with a huge antique white head. Excellent retention and thick lacing. Looks good.

Ok aroma....roasted and sweet malts. A little floral hops.

Mostly a malty beer but there is some balancing hoppiness and a floral aspect.A little on the sweet side but tastes ok.

A little light, but this is expected from a 4.5% beer.

This isn't one to savor, but a few pitchers t a session would be welcome.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 03:46:08 | More by JayQue

claspada

New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep red with a very large off white head with good retention.

Aromas begin with sweet pale malt and some light caramel. As it warms you get some slight brown sugar, roasted malt with a bit of earthy hoppiness.

The tastes follow the nose with light caramel, toasted bready maltiness with some light toffee flavors as well. Light and clean earthy hoppiness emerges more as it warms.

The mouthfeel is light bodied with medium to high carbonation. Finish is lightly dry and earthy but mainly clean and crisp.

Overall this is a decent, flavorful and balanced amber ale. Nothing to mind-blowing but quite satifying considering the ABV, nice daytime outdoors beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2012 14:46:11 | More by claspada

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.13/5  rDev -13.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - Actually quite clear since most of their beers are "unfiltered" with a 1/4 inch of opaque colored head. A touch darker than I expected for the ABV.

S - Slightly dirty malts clash with mild hops and mild caramel malts. Smell is less than expected.

T - Well it's not a bad amber it's just not that great. Hops are mildly herbal almost citrus like with a caramel base. Basic and boring.

M - Light to medium it's on par for the ABV.

Overall I am becoming more disappointed with this brewery every beer. Don't buy this if you can avoid it.

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2012 05:56:19 | More by DrDemento456

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

3.08/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A-dark amber color with a nice thick white head and decent lacing

S-malts and caramel, slight floral scent

T-roasted malts and caramel sweetness with a little hop character, not much bitter flavor

F-medium body with moderate carbonation, smooth

O-an OK amber but too sweet and malty and not enough hop character for my taste

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2012 03:10:39 | More by MDDMD

jtierney89

New Jersey

3.3/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a deep auburn hue with dark ruby highlights and a big off white head. Good lacing. Lots of roasted malts on the nose along with some burnt caramel. Hop presence is faint but perfumey. On the lighter side of medium in body which thins very slightly on the swallow. Sweet caramel laces the side of the tongue while lightly roasted malts shine through from beginning to end. Subtle amount of fruit with a faint hop presence giving the beer it's crisp feel and smooth finish.

Pretty Decent flavor with great drink-ability. Not anything amazing but good for what it is. A session brew I could come back to.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2012 01:21:49 | More by jtierney89

JerzDevl2000

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Picked this up in Totowa since I hadn't had a chance to give this a go. While I love American Ambers/Red Ales this was a slightly above average beer and didn't have any qualities to it that would make it stand out. It was relatively easy to drink, but most of that was because the alcohol was weaker than I anticipated.

By far, the best aspect to this beer was the head. It was just like that of a root beer float and lasted for a while. It wasn't repeated in the lacing and the aroma was pretty unmemorable. Like so many of their other offerings, this had a strong amount of Belgian Sugar in the smell and taste with some dirty earthiness on top of it. The hops didn't come out until the aftertaste and they were also quite earthy and funky. Just a hint of brown sugar could be found here too, but by no means was this sweet.

Between the low alcoholic content of this and the somewhat easy drinkability of this beer, there wouldn't be too many people who couldn't give this a go. With so many beers of this style available on the shelf, this wouldn't be the first I'd reach for nor would I not have it again. It's nicely crafted and unpretentious, in the same fashion as the other River Horse beers that I've enjoyed.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2012 23:01:47 | More by JerzDevl2000

facundoCNB

New Jersey

2.9/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - a somewhat flat pour, some bubbling and slight showing of head. cloudy deep red in color

S - smells of honey, mushrooms and dirt

T - very mellow on the palate, slight sweetness and a slight hint of humidity.. a fungus of sort?

M - very refreshing, sweet finish makes you want more

O - not the brewery's best, but a good session ale. tastes and smells are odd enough to fulfill any curiosities.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2012 23:22:09 | More by facundoCNB

Sharkophile

New York

4.03/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got this in a River Horse variety pack, which I was very happy with.

A: Poured into a pint glass. Pours a dark red with a very large off white head with good retention.

S: Smells sweet, with caramel, brown sugar and roasted malts with a bit of hoppiness.

T: Caramel and brown sugar with some roasted coffee-like flavors as well. Light and clean hoppiness leads into a pretty dry finish.

M: Pretty light bodied and highly carbonated. Prickly. Nice.

O: A very good, flavorful and balanced amber ale, I wish I could find it in six packs, I could have a bunch of these at a time.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2012 05:26:17 | More by Sharkophile

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

2.93/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clear dark copper with a thin head and lace. The aroma is sweet malt and bread. The flavor is the three Rs, raisins, root beer, and rum. A bit of cough medicine in the finish but not bad. It's mouthfeel is medium. River Horse Special Ale Amber is a good beer. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2011 14:43:50 | More by B967ierhunter177

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours a red/crimson color. Good head. Off-white and compact. Leaves a ton of lacing. Beer is transparent.

S-A light nose. Sweet with mellow hops. Sweet caramel. Doesn't smell like it will be a very hoppy Amber. I absolutely love hoppy Ambers. This one seems like it will be a sweeter take on the style.

T-More sweet than hoppy. Hops are slight. Light hop flavors of grass and flowers. Mostly sweet. Light bitterness. Sweet caramel. Mellow flavor.

M-Lively carbonation. Medium to lighter body. Very light bitterness.

O/D-Okay beer. Not memorable. Easy to drink, but hard to savor. Just a middle of the road beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2011 04:44:17 | More by VelvetExtract

forcedlaughter

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a dark amber color. Small head sticks around and has a creamy texture.

I get caramel, and a sweetness like apple juice on the nose.

The taste follows. A really easy to drink, nice tasting, sweet beer. I get the malt up front, followed by apple juice and brown sugar.

Mouthfeel is nice. It coats my mouth and doesn't have any off flavors so the drinkability is high as well. For 4.5%, I could easily drink a few, and I would not get tired of the taste.

There are far better ambers out there, but this is a great value around me.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2011 13:53:32 | More by forcedlaughter

mvanaskie13

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into fluted pint glass, nice tan head, pretty thick at first, dissipates to nice froth on the top, a little clinging. Color is a dark, deep amber, somewhat dense.

Smell is mild, sweet malt comes through hints at some moderate bitterness.

Taste is a nice mix of roasted and caramel malts, with a very nice citrus/pine bitterness that cleans it up.

Mouthfeel is mostly on the tongue, flavors cling to the top but sweet and bitter balance well with mild carbonation.

Overall, a very nicely done brew, solid malt flavors and hop bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2011 20:13:21 | More by mvanaskie13

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

this is the last bottle I picked up as part of a sampler pack from the brewery in Lambertville -poured from the chilled 12oz into a double walled tumber.

The amber has good deep ruby color which borders on bronze with a translucent clarity and 3 fingers of rocky ecru which settle to a 1/4 inch. The lace collection on the glass is good with a fine bead. The smell is good, which is a mix of hops that have a herbal and pine blend of scents and some light sweetness from the malt with a mellow ester of yeast fruitiness in the nose with a subtle toasted toffee-like aroma. The feel is very moderately bitter within style and standard carbonation with mild sweet entry and balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness is good with some subtle diacetyl and semi-dry finish with light cream and toasted accent.

This amber tastes malty up front with subtle toasted tinges and slight caramel notes which fade into a slight sweet relaxed taste and the hops come secondary with some light herbal/pine flavors which accent the yeast and malt well. The hops keep things balanced but don't move into the flavor realm much more than bitter with slight diacetyl in the background which is countered by slight pepper and mild fruit elements from the yeast. This is a good amber over all, not one I would revisit but nothing seriously flawed about it either. It might be good for a cookout to have on hand - a little on the sweet side as it finishes and could use a little more complexity in the malt and yeast but in general I liked it and it is better than average.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2011 23:07:08 | More by Slatetank

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My thanks to tone 77 for coming by with a buncha bottles for me to try. It is nice to have someone local with whom to trade.

From the bottle: "Many of us here in the U.S. of A. consider ourselves to be "Special". We think this American Amber is pretty Special as well. Hope you enjoy it!"

I enjoyed pouring it into my glass and watching a dense finger of light-tan head being produced and experiencing decent retention at the outset of yet another sweltering afternoon. I also enjoyed gazing at its reddish-amber color with NE-quality clarity. I further enjoyed the pleasant admixture of grass hops and caramel malts on the nose. I gained enjoyment from its medium-to-full mouthfeel (not quite creamy, but close) and its taste with a seeming emphasis on hops. Finally, I enjoyed the extreme finish, which is when the malt really came into play. I had not tasted it much until then, but it lingered well after the swallow. Overall, an enjoyable beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2011 15:25:39 | More by woodychandler

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a pretty dark amber color with a small head. Smell is of malts, some hops. Taste is the same, some malts up front with hops kicking in at the end, a touch of caramel is present. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall makes for a solid offering.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2011 13:10:23 | More by tone77