On a trip to San Diego, we stopped at one of the six Karl Strauss Brewing Company restaurants and I opted for the sampler. The first selection was the Woodie Gold. The second was the Windansea Wheat Hefeweizen. The third selection was the KS Amber Lager.

From the Karl Strauss site.
“In the beginning… we created Karl Strauss Amber Lager. Generous amounts of caramel and Munich malts give the beer rich caramel flavors, balanced by a background of Cascade hops. After the beer is cold fermented for a clean, smooth finish, we filter it – not once, but twice- to enhance its bright, bronze color. Our flagship Amber Lager was also Karl’s favorite beer.”

The KS Amber Lager has the following characteristics

• Appearance: Clear, amber color. Good foam. An average amount of lacing.
• Aroma: A sweet, caramel malt scent tempered by the hops.
• Taste: Medium carbonation and mouthfeel. Medium body with a sweet malt flavor blended with the hops leading to a nice finish.
• ABV: 4.2%

When sampling a craft brew, I try to pick a quality name product that the brewer is attempting to replicate. In this case, Karl Strauss may have been aiming for a Franziskaner and succeeded. This was a very drinkable beer and among my favorites from Karl Strauss.