SAMUEL ADAMS SUMMER VARIETY PACK
I think I have mentioned in previous posts that I am a big fan of Samuel Adams Brewery. I really enjoy their seasonal releases more than their flagship “Boston Lager” beer. I recently picked up their Summer Variety pack and have made my judgement. I’m sure the brewers at Samuel Adams have been on pins and needle awaiting my review.
Summer Ale: 7 IBUs, 5.3 ABV. Samuel Adams is making this the centerpiece of their summer beer releases. A wheat beer with a very low 7 IBUs. Meh. Summer Ale is too mild and flavorless. I am not a fan of too much hops in beer, but this ale could probably stand to have little more bitterness.
2 Belches:
Golden Ale: 12 IBUs, 5.0 ABV. Now we are talking! Golden Ale is smooth with medium flavor. Good for a hot summer day, it will definitely quench your thirst.
4 Belches:
Pale Ale: 32 IBU, 5.4 ABV. Blech! At 32 IBUs it’s not quite a typical IPA, but pale ales do tend to be moderately bitter. Which not bad in itself, but this pale ale has a very strange bitter aftertaste. It’s not very well balanced.
1 Belch:
Raspberry Lemon Gose: 15 IBUs, 5.0 ABV. Not bad, but not good either. If you are wondering what a gose beer is: it is a sour wheat beer brewed with lemon and salt. Raspberry Lemon Gose is mellow with a bit of tartness. I wouldn’t turn it down if I were offered one.
3 Belches:
Hefeweizen: 14 IBUs, 5.4. The taste of cloves in this hefeweizen is too overpowering; gives it a “cough syrup” taste.
2 Belches:
Cheers!