Breckenridge Brewery- Autumn Ale: AAAAAA+ (An All Around Awesome Autumn Ale)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 5:48PM | by Jason 
This self-imposed IPA review ban (well, at the suggestion of Pam Lewis) is killing me. I guess now I understand what smokers go through when they try to quit. So seeing that I’m not reviewing an IPA, I thought that I would stick with the seasonal brews and go with something that screams Autumn. We just had a day here in the Chicagoland area that was in the upper 70’s. It was a bit warm for me seeing that I love those days that hover around the 60 degree mark. I guess it could be worse; it could be in the 40’s. So I went to the fridge and low and behold, a Breckenridge Brewery’s Autumn Ale…I believe that this one was also on Pam’s hit list of brews that she requested I review. Yes, I am positioning for some brownie points by changing it up and giving you guys & gals some style variety. I’m pretty stoked to be trying this brew as Breckenridge Brewery is one of my favorite breweries. It’s time to go grab my trusty Beer Stick, crack me open an Autumn Ale and get to getting’.
Breckenridge Brewery classifies this brew as an Old Ale and their website describes Autumn Ale as, “Breckenridge Brewery's fall seasonal combines the malty goodness of a German lager with the clean crispness of an American ale. Brewed with Munich malts and a delicate blend of Bavarian hops, our Autumn Ale is a full-bodied treat with a nutty-sweet middle, a warming alcohol level and notes of toasted grains. A pre-winter winner.”
Autumn Ale pours the color of a Coca-Cola with a ¼” beige head. The aroma is roasted malts up front but you can detect some sweet malt aromas as well, there is also a slight chocolate and vanilla scent in the background but noticeable.
Consistency, consistency, consistency. To this point, I know that I can reach for a Breckenridge Brewery brew and I will be pleased beyond my expectations. Autumn Ale continues this tradition of consistent Craft Beer goodness. The flavor is sweet but not too sweet. It is both smooth with a subtle amount of carbonation. Autumn Ale starts with a sweet malt greeting and shakes your hand with a roasted malt touch that is both warm and inviting. I also sense some hints of caramel and a very minimal hop bite that wraps up this brew perfectly with a finish that is crisp and refreshing. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I love the label artwork adorned with leaves and traditional fall colors and stating, “It’s Special.” I would have to agree. I know the wife has been on my butt about busting out the rake and clearing out the yard…if only she knew that if she dangled an Autumn Ale on a stick it would have been done days ago.
ABV: 6.7%
Consumed: Dogfish Head Signature Glass
Verdict: Buy A Case
