I am a big fan of Samuel Adams beers. Their brews were one of my gateway beers into the world of craft beers. Sam Adams has been brewing away since 1984, making them one of the granddaddies of the modern craft brewing business.
Sam Adams isn’t content to rest on their laurels. While they have been slow to hop on the IPA bandwagon (Get it? “Hop” on the IPA bandwagon? I’m such a wit), they recently released their Rebel IPA series to compete in the hop-mad beer market.
Another area that Sam Adams likes to get experimental is their seasonal releases. A run of five or six seasonal specific beers is not unusual for them. These seasonal releases run through a gamut of different styles of beer. Not all are a success, but the fact Sam Adams is willing to constantly try new things is commendable.
So, after intense and rigorous research, I hereby present my review of the Samuel Adams Beers of Fall pack +1. I say +1 because the Harvest Hefe isn’t part of the pack. Though it’s sold separately, I have included it in my review because it is still a seasonal brew.
I will remind all that I’m not a fan of bitter beers, so for some these beers might be too sweet or malty. Your mileage may vary.
Harvest Hefe
Style: Hefeweizen
ABV: 5.4%
IBU: 14
Ideal for: A relaxing brew to wind down with after a day spent antique shopping. If I went antique shopping. Which I don’t.
The verdict: While I’m a fan of tasty ales, this brew has perhaps a little too much flavor. The strong clove seasonings make me wonder if this is what a beer brewed with potpourri might taste like. Not bad, but not good either. I give it 3 belches:
Black Lager
Style: Schwarzbier (black beer)
ABV: 4.9%
IBU: 19
Ideal for: Tucking into to a dinner of a slow-cooked pot roast garnished with root vegetables.
The verdict: Some beers are said to have a “bready” taste. This is a trait especially common in lagers. Black Lager has a noticeable bready flavor. It reminds me of Outback Steakhouse’s dark bread rolls. Tasty and smooth. 4 belches:
Black Label gets extra credit for having a cool label. One Van Gogh for artistic effort:
20 Pounds of Pumpkin
Style: Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 14
Ideal for: Warming up after a brisk walk on a blustery autumn day.
The verdict: I am not much of a pumpkin ale fan, but 20 Pounds isn’t too bad. There is a hint of pumpkin, but pepper seems to be the predominate flavor. This is most likely due to the allspice that has been added to the brewing process.
I award it 3 Belches:
Maple Red
Style: Red Ale
ABV: 6.3%
IBU: 18
Ideal for: relaxing on your patio on a cool autumn evening, warming yourself in front of the fire you’ve got going in your backyard fire-pit as you watch the stars come out.
The verdict: Warm and malty with a mellow vibe. Because the flavors are not overpowering, you can enjoy 2 or 3 of these in one sitting without burning out your taste buds. Just don’t overdo it; at 6.3% ABV, Maple Red has the highest alcohol percentage in the Fall Pack. 4 belches:
Honey Rye Pale Ale
Style: Rye Ale
ABV: 5.8%
IBU: 33
Ideal for: A beer to match your mood when your favorite football team has lost a game to a hated division rival. In a word: bitter.
The verdict: Honey Rye Pale Ale only comes in at 33 IBU’s, which is not very high for most IPA’s, but it is unusually bitter for a Samuel Adams beer. The hoppiness swamps any hint of flavor from the honey. Not very balanced at all.
2 belches:
Oktoberfest
Style: Marzen
ABV: 5.3%
IBU: 16
Ideal for: Recovering from a long bicycle ride or a day hike in the mountains. Excellent when relaxing after spending the afternoon raking leaves. Also, good for watching a football game. Perhaps while unwinding after a day spent leaf-peeping. Oh hell, it’s good for breakfast, lunch and dinner; or anytime you just want an outstanding brew!
The verdict: Did I mention it’s good? I bestow upon it MrVintageMan’s coveted 5 belches:
