Type of Beer: American Hefeweizen/ Wheat Ale
Alcohol Content: 5.40%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours a hazy, golden orange. Two finger white head that lingers leaving very nice lacing.
Smell: First and foremost a definite lemony, flower-like scent with maybe a biscuity wheat undertone.
Initial Taste: Pretty nice buttery bread flavor, followed by a lemon floor cleaner taste. I think the hops are too perfume-like, which doesn’t go well with the lemon zest. Way overpowering to me. A bit too carbonated as well.
Thoughts: I don’t understand their decision to include this in the Winter Brewmasters pack, as this really is a Summertime beer. I think they just took some Summer Ale and instead of adding the Grains of Paradise, they put more lemon in it. The peppery bite might have saved this one. Alas, it didn’t.
Type of Beer: Porter
Alcohol Content: 5.80%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours a deep brown. A thin one finger tan head that remains, while leaving a little lacing.
Smell: Sweet, soft smokiness. An almost musty smell at the end which is indicative of Sam Adams generous use of English hops.
Initial Taste: Smoky chocolate and roasted caramel with the hoppy bite at the finish. Definitely a full-bodied, flavorful beer that is pretty smooth for a Porter, not harsh or overly bitter.
Thoughts: Porters have a rich and storied history in the UK. This is what I think the “porters” would have had with their suppers after a hard day’s work. A mans brew that goes well with smoked or grilled meats.
Type of Beer: Spiced Ale
Alcohol Content: 5.90%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours a brownish-red. Thin one-finger off-white head that lasts a little while and has nice lacing.
Smell: , slightly spicy. A crisp, fruity smell that’s not over done by any means.
Initial Taste: Roasted caramel and toffee flavors with a smoothness that I didn’t expect. Very subtle spices and orange finish that make me think of being in Grandma’s kitchen while she’s doing her Holiday baking. The different flavors just abound in this ale.
Thoughts: Definitely one of the BEST available now. Some beers just sing out with Holiday cheer, and this is one of them. Thank You Mr. Fezziwig and the Boston Beer Co. for making this a Season to enjoy!
Type of Beer: Dark Bock
Alcohol Content: 5.80%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Beautiful red amber that looks more brown when held to the light. Pours a very nice white two finger head that leaves behind decent lacing.
Smell: Delicious blend of spicy hops with a little cinnamon and clove with subtle malty sweetness.
Initial Taste: Spicy herbs start this winter brew off followed by sweet malts and a crisp hoppy bitterness. Well balanced and easy to drink.
Thoughts: Just in time for the Patriots season Samuel Adams Winter Lager is finally available on the supermarket shelves. Sam Adams has a reputation for great seasonal selections and this beer is among their best. With notes of cinnamon, cloves, oranges and hints of chocolate, this beer is among the best of the winter season brews. The flavors are bright and crisp and easy to pick out. The spiciness is warming and makes this the perfect beer for those cold winter nights.
Type of Beer: Fruit Ale
Alcohol Content: 5.20%
Beer Review -
Appearance: Pours a cloudy golden yellow with white one-two finger head that dissipates quickly leaving ok lacing.
Smell: Smells like a wheat beer with the unmistakable scent of cherries. Very inviting.
Initial Taste: Nice wheat flavors with malty sweetness. The cherry is very noticeable but blends well with the sweet malts and slightly bitter hops. There is no mistaking this is a cherry flavored beer.
Thoughts: I’ve been a long time fan of Samuel Adams. They don’t make a beer I don’t like and Cherry Wheat is just another enjoyable ale in their great lineup of brews. This beer is crisp and refreshing. The cherry flavor is very nice and not overpowering. That said I have noticed that after a few of these beers that cherry flavor that was so nice at first gets old and you end up longing for a change of taste. I wholeheartedly recommend this beer…just make sure you share that six pack with friends and you’ll be golden.
