BEST in this order:
1. New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
- New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Named in honor of the cofounder's bike trip through Europe
- well balanced with an aroma of "toasty, biscuit and caramel-like malt flavors, subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple"
- flavor is perfectly balanced of malt and hops, with a gentle sweetness
- ABV 5.2%
- IBU 22
- BA score 81 good
- pairs well with charcuterie meats and pot stickers
2. Griffin Claw El Rojo Red Ale
- Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Michigan
- Bronze medal winner
- "Malty, Roasted flavor profile"
- ABV 6.5%
- IBU 25
- BA score 85 Very good
- North Peak Brewing Co., Traverse City, Michigan
- "toasty, bready richness, sweet tangerine and lemon-pith hop flavors"
- a good "anytime" drink
- ABV 5.0%
- IBU 48
- BA score 75 okay
- Finch's Beer Co., Chicago, Illinois
- "deep red, malt forward, caramel malt, rye and spice notes, with an earthly and floral hop nuance"
- ABV 8.0%
- Imperial Amber Ale
- BA score 83 good
5. Keweenaw Red Jacket Amber Ale
- Keweenaw Brewing Co., Houghton, Michigan
- A tribute to the Red Jacket Mine and the copper industry in Keweenaw Peninsula
- "malty, caramel, toffee, biscuit-like aromas with a spicy/earthly hoppiness"
- ABV 5.10%
- BA score 80 good
