Beer of the Month: Ahwahnee Amber Ale from Mammoth Brewing

It's no puzzle that Ahwahnee Amber and
Yosmite National Park are interlocking.

The sheer cliffs, the towering water falls, and the overall surrealistic landscape of Yosemite all speak to us.  For some, Yosemite declares the overwhelming power and beauty of nature.  For others, it reminds us of a need to preserve our environmental treasures for future generations.  But for me, the grandeur of Yosemite whispers "Hey, there's a Mammoth Brewing brewski just around the corner with your name on it!"

So our Beer of the Month is one enjoyed on a recent weekend trip to Yosemite, Ahwahnee Amber Ale from Mammoth Brewing.  (Outside of the National Park, it's known as Real McCoy Amber.)  Now Mammoth makes a couple of pretty good IPA's (Epic and 395) and their Hair of the Bear Dopplebock is one of the best Dopplebock's I've had.  But the day I spent long five miles and 2,000 vertical feet hiking of The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, and then up to Nevada falls, the Ahwahnee Amber at the bottom tasted like sweet nectar.

There's really nothing fancy about this beer, and that's what's so good about it.  Just lots of toasty malt, with a little nuttiness, and a smattering of earthy hops combine to create a smooth, drinkable pleasure.  Ever since I discovered Mammoth Brewing 2 1/2 years ago on my last tip to Yosemite, the brewery and it's iconic landscape have become intractably linked.  And I just can't leave without showing you a few more Yosemite pictures.  Hope you enjoy.