Name of Beer: Crazy Mountain Amber Ale, Crazy Mountain Brewing Company, Edwards

Style: Amber ale

ABV: 5.25 percent

Serving Type: Can

Malty? Hoppy? Hoppy, but I've had hoppier.

Reviewed: May 2012

I like making lists. So much so, that almost every trip to the grocery store is a well-planned affair so that I don't have to waste time wandering down frozen food aisles. I approach the beer coolers at Argonaut Wine & Liquor the same way. I know where the Colorado craft brews are and I rarely dilly daddle. One recent afternoon, though, I was particularly ambivalent and found myself peering around the shelves. I came across this six-pack from the Crazy Mountain Brewing Company. The Edwards-based production opened its tasting room—and began canning on a limited basis—in 2010, but I hadn't tried its beers yet. So, of course, I bought the sixer.

When I cracked open a can, the floral and fruit aromas immediately struck me. So much so, that I pulled it away from my face to give my olfactory system a break. As a result, I expected a bigger taste, but it is a mellow brew; it almost seems watered down. The beer has a reddish tint and light carbonation. Don't get me wrong: I was pleasantly surprised by this new(ish) brew and brewery. It's a solid early effort. I'll add it to my list for future stops because I'm interested to see how the brew is refined as the brewery grows up. 

Would we buy it again? Yes, especially for newbies to Colorado beer who aren't quite ready for a Dale's Pale Ale or Left Hand Brewing Company's Milk Stout.