Apple Pie in a Pint? Diving into Three Notch'd Apple Crumb Amber Ale!

A seasonal exploration of a beloved Virginia brew.

Score: 7.4

Location: Afton, VA

I. Introduction: Cozy Up with a Fall Favorite!

Imagine crisp autumn air, the smell of cinnamon, and a freshly baked apple pie cooling on the windowsill. That comforting feeling, that quintessential taste of fall... what if you could drink it? Could one truly capture the ephemeral essence of a season in a glass?

Allow me to introduce you to Three Notch'd Apple Crumb Amber Ale – a seasonal offering that bravely attempts to bottle those very fall vibes. It's a proposition intriguing enough to warrant a closer look, wouldn't you agree?

Join me as we crack open this festive brew, not just to taste it, but to explore its genesis, dissect its flavors, consider the chorus of voices singing its praises (or gently critiquing), and ponder what the future holds for this Virginia gem. Let's delve into this liquid embodiment of autumn, shall we?

II. The Recipe for Autumn: What Makes This Ale Tick?

At its heart, this is a medium-bodied amber ale, the kind that invites you to unwind after a long day spent raking leaves or contemplating the changing colors. It clocks in at a comfortable 5.5% ABV, making it an easy-drinking companion, and boasts a modest 24 IBU, offering just a whisper of bitterness to keep things interesting. The brewing artistry comes courtesy of Mary Morgan and the innovative team at Three Notch'd's Harrisonburg Valley Collab House – a place where experimentation and flavor collide.

But what exactly is it that we're tasting? What alchemical process transforms simple ingredients into something reminiscent of a warm apple crumb pie?

The answer, of course, lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Local Virginia apples, perhaps from Silver Creek or Seaman Orchards depending on the year's bounty, form the foundation. To this, a symphony of spices is added – most notably cinnamon, sourced from the Spice Diva herself, along with a delicate touch of vanilla, lending that unmistakable "crumb" essence. Some discerning palates also detect subtle whispers of caramel and toffee, adding layers of complexity to the experience. The finish? A surprisingly refreshing crispness that cuts through the sweetness, leaving you wanting more.

For those of us who appreciate the technical artistry behind the pint, let's peek behind the curtain. The malt bill consists of 2-Row Pale, Crystal 40L, Vienna, and Brown Malt – a carefully constructed combination designed to build that rich amber color and satisfying body. Columbus hops provide a crucial balance, preventing the sweetness from becoming overwhelming. And, in a testament to their commitment to local sourcing, Three Notch'd proudly brews this ale with 75% Virginia-grown ingredients, including malt from Copper Fox Distillery. A true taste of place, wouldn't you say?

III. A Journey Through Seasons: How the Apple Crumb Came to Be

The Apple Crumb Amber Ale wasn't simply plucked from thin air; it was born from the creative crucible of the Harrisonburg Valley Collab House. This isn't a fleeting fancy, a one-off experiment destined for obscurity. No, this is a beloved recurring release, a seasonal tradition eagerly anticipated by those who crave a taste of autumn.

It's worth mentioning, too, a spectral cousin of sorts – the now-discontinued "Apple Crumb Donut" variant. This playful iteration, alas no longer with us, held its own dedicated fan base, demonstrating Three Notch'd's willingness to push the boundaries of fall flavors. Such experimentation is a testament to their dedication to innovation and a hint of what might lie on the horizon.

IV. The Verdict's In! What Do Drinkers Really Think?

So, what does the collective palate have to say about this amber ode to apple pie? Let's examine the evidence.

Many laud it as "easy-drinking" and "refreshing," the kind of beer that slips down smoothly on a cool evening. Others describe it more simply as "great stuff," or a "nice straight B beer, enjoyable and reasonably priced." These are hardly earth-shattering pronouncements, but they speak to a certain quiet satisfaction, a contentment derived from a well-executed, approachable brew.

However, not all voices sing the same tune. Some drinkers yearn for a more assertive apple flavor, suggesting that the vanilla and caramel notes often steal the spotlight. As one reviewer noted, there's a "bigger pronounced note on that whole vanilla vanilla caramel up front thing," indicating that the sweetness can be a dominant characteristic for some.

The numbers, as always, offer another perspective. On Untappd, the Apple Crumb Amber Ale garners a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars from thousands of reviews. Total Wine & More, meanwhile, places it around 3 out of 5 stars. These figures suggest that while it may not be universally adored, it remains a consistent crowd-pleaser, a reliable choice for those seeking a taste of autumn.

V. No Crumbs of Controversy Here (Mostly!):

In the grand tapestry of craft beer, controversies occasionally rear their head. It's reassuring, then, to report that the Apple Crumb Amber Ale itself has remained largely untainted by scandal. Our star is clean, as it were.

However, a note of caution is warranted.

While the Apple Crumb has avoided direct controversy, Three Notch'd Brewing did issue a recall in April 2023 due to an "oxidized metallic flavor" in other beers, such as King of Clouds and 40 Mile. Crucially, the Apple Crumb Amber Ale was not implicated in this recall.

Furthermore, some broader feedback on the brewery suggests a more nuanced picture. Remarks about their beer being "mid," criticisms of specific IPAs, and reports of customer service issues related to their non-alcoholic line – these are all fragments of a larger conversation surrounding the brewery. While distinct from our featured ale, they offer valuable context for understanding the broader perception of Three Notch'd.

VI. What's Brewing Next? The Future of Three Notch'd & Your Fall Favorite

What does the future hold for this amber embodiment of autumn? Fortunately, the answer is clear: Expect the Apple Crumb Amber Ale to make its triumphant return every fall, a reliable beacon of seasonal cheer.

Furthermore, mark your calendars! It's slated to be featured as a "Battle Brew" at the 757 Battle of the Beers in 2025, a testament to its enduring popularity and a chance to prove its mettle against other worthy contenders.

But Three Notch'd is not content to rest on its laurels. The brewery is constantly innovating, pushing the boundaries of flavor and experimentation. Look out for other limited releases, such as HellesFest, the decadent Biggie S'mores barrel-aged stout, and a rotating Gose series that promises tart and refreshing surprises.

Beyond beer, they're even venturing into the world of spirits, crafting Hatchet Head Bourbon and launching new craft cocktails. For the hopheads among us, expect experimental IPAs like "Freedom to be Fresh" and their rotating Hop Variety Pack. And, of course, the Harrisonburg Valley Collab House continues to churn out new, small-batch beers, ensuring a constant stream of fresh and exciting offerings.

VII. Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Fall!

Three Notch'd Apple Crumb Amber Ale, in its own unassuming way, manages to capture a sliver of the essence of autumn. It's not a revolutionary beer, nor is it trying to be. Instead, it offers a familiar, comforting experience – a liquid echo of apple pie, cinnamon spice, and crisp fall air.

Whether you're drawn to the subtle apple notes or captivated by the caramel-vanilla warmth, it's a brew worth considering when the leaves begin to turn.

Now, I turn the question to you, dear reader. What is your favorite fall-inspired brew? What liquid concoction best embodies the spirit of the season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us raise a collective glass to the flavors of autumn!