hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Kootenay True Ale

Tap to rate

An ale from the Columbia Brewery in Creston, in practice sitting somewhere between a cream ale and a golden ale. It is light gold and clear over a soft caramel malt base. The yeast throws an unusual ester note that the brewery itself describes as licorice-like, and the hops add a citrus-fruity edge with a resinous touch. The body is medium, the bitterness moderate, and a slight malt sweetness lingers in the finish.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber12
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
caramelcitrusyfruity
caramel
citrusy
fruity
resinous
malty
hoppy
Aroma
The nose leads with a distinctive licorice-like ester note thrown by the yeast, setting this ale apart from typical examples of its category.
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Kootenay True Ale

◎ Appearance

Light gold and crystal clear, presenting a bright, inviting hue characteristic of the style. The head forms with modest density and settles to a thin collar with fair lacing retention. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, supporting a clean visual presentation.

light goldcrystal clearmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with a distinctive licorice-like ester note thrown by the yeast, setting this ale apart from typical examples of its category. Beneath lies a soft caramel-malt foundation with citrus-fruity top notes and a resinous hop character that adds complexity without dominance. The overall impression is balanced and approachable rather than assertive.

licorice estercaramel maltscitrus-resin hops

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and slightly sweet, with caramel malt presence immediately evident on the palate. Mid-palate develops a citrus-fruity character with resinous hop edges that provide structure and prevent cloying. Bitterness is moderate and well-tempered, sitting comfortably between the sweetness and hop character without overwhelming either.

caramel sweetnesscitrus fruitresinous hopsmoderate bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and medium in length, with lingering malt sweetness that gradually fades. A subtle resinous dryness follows, leaving the palate refreshed without harshness.

malt sweetnessmedium lengthclean
76
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
76
Appearance
75
Finish
74
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Kootenay True Ale

More from Labatt Brewing Company

Big Deal Brewing Original
Big Deal Brewing Original
Golden Ale
4.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Blue Star
Blue Star
American Lager
5%·Mild
Find matches →
Kokanee
Kokanee
American Lager
5%·Mild
Find matches →
Kokanee Gold
Kokanee Gold
Amber Lager
5.3%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Kokanee Light
Labatt 50
Labatt 50
Blonde Ale
5%·Mild
Find matches →
Labatt Bleue
Labatt Bleue
German Pilsner
4.9%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Labatt Bleue Dry
Labatt Bleue Dry
Pale Lager
6.1%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →

About Amber Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Amber Ale?

Amber Ales have 4.5–6.2% ABV and IBU 25–40. Caramel malt sweetness balanced by moderate hop bitterness, a reddish-amber colour and smooth finish.

Finding a similar Amber Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same caramel, citrusy, fruity character as Kootenay True Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Amber Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Canada beers →