Gelande Amber Lager – Uinta Brewing
March 1, 2010
Gelande Amber Lager is a 4% ABV beer from Uinta Brewing Company in Utah. I figured I’d do a beer review on this lager a try because the picture on the label indicated a skiing scene which makes it a good reason to try during the winter, right? Plus, we just got through the Winter Olympics. What can I say, I’m a master at timing.
This beer pours a nice amber color, and I messed up a bit and poured it a little too recklessly which created this massive fizzy head in my glass! D’ oh! Its a nice looking beer, but nothing particularly remarkable about it either I guess.
The aroma is really hard to pinpoint because its simply nondescript. There is a slight sweet malty scent, and something of a very slight bread thing, but this beer is generally weak.
Getting on to the taste, I have to say that the Gelande Amber Lager is a bit of a disappointment compared to some of the beers I’ve had the pleasure to try recently. First, much like the scent, there are hardly any flavors that stand out to make the beer interesting.
Its got some weak maltiness, and some weak breadiness, but it just sort of blends into this bland and uninspired beer thing. I don’t know if the low ABV is an indication, but this beer is not trying to impress, and I wouldn’t accuse it of pushing any flavor boundaries.
On top of that, this amber lager has a really thin body of water-like viscosity. Digging down, I’m really finding it hard to say anything more about this beer - so I won’t. Except that I didn’t like it. Uninspired, bland, watery. It’s a mild-mannered beer, and I wonder how many calories are in it. You get the idea.
Rating: 
Granted, this is the first beer I’ve had from Uinta Brewing Company, but it was really a let down. Have you tried this beer? What did you think? What about other beers from this Utah based brewer? I wish I had another bottle to give it a second shot, but alas, I do not.
Posted in 1 Star Reviews, American Beers, Lager
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March 1st, 2010 at 9:59 am
I’m really surprised and disappointed.
I don’t recall this brewery, but I once spent a few weeks working in Salt Lake City and they were the amongst the best weeks of my drinking life! At that time (if I recall correctly) the Utah State law was that they couldn’t brew beyond 4% so the brew-pubs and micros had to brew for flavour. And no hangovers the next day.
I spent many happy evenings enjoying brews at Squatters and Red Rock, and up at Park City drinking the Wasatch SlipRock lager… great times!
Bob the Brit´s last blog ..Pancake Day
March 1st, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Squatters is owned by Wasatch Brewing, and it is a great brew pub. I have spent a couple nights there myself, enjoying many good brews. I think my favorite is the Polygamy Porter. Great slogan…Pick some up for your Wives!! I recently reviewed their Double Bock and really thought it was good for the style. Uinta Brewing has been around for some time, so I’m surprised that their beer didn’t have much flavor, but I guess I’d say what were you expecting from a 4% Lager? Bit it looks like from their web site that they have a lot of beers, so perhaps you could find one you like.
Don´s last blog ..What Do You Think Of When You Think…Whiskey Drinker?
March 1st, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I really wish I had another bottle to compare it to, I’m even tempted to think there might have been something off about the bottle I had. It just didn’t have anything going for it. I’d certainly try some of their other stuff, I won’t rule out the brewery because of one off sample – problem is I don’t see many of their beers to try!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Review -Yards Extra Special Ale (ESA)
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
It’s probably wrong to say this, but I’d pass on this one just because of the label. It looks like a 1963 Chevrolet Suburban ad. “Fun on the slopes awaits for you and the family, and the 1963 Suburban from Chevy will get you to the lift on time with its quadramatic four wheel drive…”
Probably not the smartest way to pick a beer, a bad label will turn me off quicker than a dusty bottle.
Jim´s last blog ..I’m In Way Over My Head – This’ll Be FUN!
March 4th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Huh…I’ve never even heard of this brewery. There are just so many out there and my brain is so small…an amber beer really needs some hearty malt backbone, without it, I probably wouldn’t have been too thrilled, but eventually I’ll have to taste and see.
nate´s last blog ..Craft Beer, A Real Bargain
March 4th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@Jim – It is an ugly label, but I think it does stand out which is important. I think this one was brought in by Brew Clubber Neil who is in Westchester. I haven’t seen it in Jersey.
@Nate – I agree, there was really nothing going for this beer, and the others seemed to agree.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Tasting Notes