United Nations of Beer

Tied House Cascade Amber

by Ann O'Connell
(Beer Delegate, CO, USA)

Tied House Cascade Amber

Beer appreciation runs in my family. But I made a mistake when I took my folks to the Tied House Brewery in Mountain View, CA and introduced them to the Cascade Amber.

I now literally cannot go home without it! This beer is so good that I’ve invested in three growlers which must be brought – full and cold – as my ticket to gain admission to my parents' home. Not that I mind so much – they're usually pretty generous in sharing with me.

The Cascade Amber is, according to the Tied House's website, their "all-time best seller". This must be a testament to the Bay Area's discerning taste for brews. The Cascade is one of the most easy-drinking beers I have ever encountered, despite the fact that I tend to favor lighter beers.

"Creamy" is the right word to describe it and, under the right conditions, it can develop a head to rival a Guinness.

It's a very mild amber, with a sweet-tart aftertaste that leaves you wanting more. Its gem-like color only adds to its multi-sensory appeal.

The Tied House offers three other original beers, along with a great number of seasonals.

I'm going to go with the pack on this one and call Tied House Cascade Amber their best, but the seasonals will keep me going back – look for future reviews!

And, in case you're wondering about the name: according to their menu, a "tied house" was a pub that was owned by a brewery and only allowed to sell that brewery's own beer. (This practise is still very common in the UK. Ed.)

This phrasing may have gone by the wayside, but I'm going to be "tied" to the Tied House so long as they keep brewing this beer!

The Tied House has two locations: 954 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, and 65 N San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95113.