Monday, February 6th 2012 McKinney Eddy Amber Ale (Piney River Brewing Company)
Cans of Piney River brews hit the market late in 2011 and the we were fortunate enough to score some samples of both of their Missouri Mule IPA and McKinney Eddy Amber. The husband and wife team of Joleen and Brian Durham recently took Piney River Brewing from nanobrewer to microbrewer status with the recent installation of a seven barrel brewhouse and a Wild Goose canning line. The brewery itself is located in a 70 year old barn, or BARn, on their property in the “Show Me” state. We enjoyed their delicious and dangerously drinkable IPA, so we have high hopes for their amber. From the Piney River site: "In the heart of Texas County, McKinney Eddy on the Big Piney River was home to our friend and master blacksmith, Charlie McKinney. Charlie toiled over an anvil with purpose, passion and pure Ozark creativity—an inspiration for our handcrafted amber ale." Here we go... Pour – Dark amber that matches the color of the can almost perfectly. Very cool - how often does that happen? A loose but stable head holds firm on top and some good lacing sticks to the side of our can-shaped glass. Aroma – Deep, dark sweet fruit aromas remind us of candied dates and triggers the palate to expect a rich, flavorful brew. Taste – Wow! McKinney Eddy starts off with a bit of grainy caramel sweetness similar to the flavor and mouthfeel of our favorite scotch ales. Rich caramel sweetness and mild hoppiness collide in the middle before a sweet, light malt finish. The pleasant sweetness lingers long enough to make this one a very good sipper. Overall – We sometimes find ambers one dimensional and super-sweet throughout. Not this one! This is a wonderfully complex amber that is well worth stretching out and reliving the flavor experience as many times as the “Piney pint” allows. Get your hands on some next time you pass through Ozark country! NOTES: Piney River’s story is a great example of the spirit and vitality of today’s American brewing scene. If you'd like to learn more about Piney River check out the Q & A we did with brewery co-owner Joleen Durham.
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