All About Beer Magazine

I have a couple of friends who have the dubious distinction of having built a thriving distribution brewery in the shadow of a brewing giant. Tom and Dan have turn Schlafly into a well recognized beer while driving their trucks around the A-B mega brewery. Randy Sprecher has accomplished a similar feat going toe-to-toe with Miller. Recently his Special Amber landed on my desk reminding me of all those days and nights prowling Milwaukee tasting his best in the best bars. While not so much amber in color, Special Amber pours with a creamy head and a rich caramel color. The nose is all biscuit and toast, that roasted aroma always reminds me of breweries in full swing and early mornings at a bed & breakfast. For all that aroma the bready potential is sedated, if not outright intimidated by the full-on citrusy hop palate. Very lightly carbonated, the Special Amber has an amazingly easy drinking body ticking in at 5 percent. What a perfect beer for a muggy Southern August night.