Samuel Adams – Whitewater IPA *

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Jan 272012
 

As much as I may try to ensure that a solid variety of styles are in my house a good punch of hops is something that very often is what my palate wants.  So when it comes to grabbing a six-pack and IPA very often finds a way home with me.  The two of these I drank were in the Brewer’s Choice Variety 12-pack with a few other good ones, but I look forward to when it will be available on its own sometime in the coming months.

A solid addition to their beer family . . .

Brewery: Boston Beer Company (Boston, MA)

Name: Whitewater IPA

Style: American IPA (though probably a Specialty Beer)

ABV: 5.80% (on bottle)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before serving in a pint glass.

Aroma: A nice hoppy aroma with citrus and pine and a slight, mildly fruity sweetness.  Full, but not overwhelming. – 9/12

Appearance: Golden honey-like color with a slight orange hue.  Two finger frothy/creamy white head that holds very well and leaves nice lacing on the glass.  Some haziness but pretty clear with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A really nice citrusy hop flavor up front with a moderate hit of piney bitterness after that.  Well balanced with a touch of fruity sweetness in there as well.  Seems to have a touch of spiciness.  Finishes a bit dry dry, but with a nice lingering bitterness and some citrus flavor. – 15.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to light in body with a moderate level of carbonation.  Pretty smooth with a nice creaminess that adds a little to the body. – 4.5/5

Overall Impressions: I like the bit of creaminess in the body and it is a nice addition to what is otherwise a solid IPA.  The bitterness and citrus profile is quite nice.  Goes down very easily and could definitely drink more than a few.  A solid beer and tasty IPA that I will probably grab a six-pack of when it comes out. – 8/10

Overall: A- (40/50)

6754866055 6fc14dcaf6 Samuel Adams Whitewater IPA *

Samuel Adams - Whitewater IPA

 Posted by Lucas at 11:11 am  Tagged with: , , ,

Samuel Adams – Alpine Spring *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Jan 242012
 

If this beer was simply to replace Noble Pils I would be pretty upset about the switch, but since it simply slides into the Spring seasonal spot so Noble Pils can be available all year I am willing to accept it.  As mentioned below I think it would actually be great as the beer for the hotter months, but it is a solid beer nonetheless.

An early start to Spring for today . . .

Brewery: Boston Beer Company (Boston, MA)

Name: Alpine Spring

Style: Maybe a Helles or maybe a Premium American Lager (not really sure)

ABV: 5.50% (internet)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before serving in one of my incredibly awesome Genny Cream Ale glasses (sort of pilsner-like).

Aroma: A lightly floral aroma with a hint of citrus and a faint sweetness underneath.  Pretty subtle overall. – 8.5/12

Appearance: Medium golden yellow color.  One finger fluffy white head that holds well and leaves solid lacing.  A slight haze but is otherwise clear with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A slightly sweet maltiness up front that is faintly honey-like.  Very little bitterness at all with a touch of citrus flavor.  Pretty well balanced overall.  Finishes smoothly and mostly clean with a touch of lingering citrusy sweetness. – 15/20

Mouthfeel: Light body with a moderate level of carbonation.  Very smooth and lightly crisp on the palate. – 4/5

Overall Impressions: Light in body but has a bit of creaminess to it and especially so after warming just a bit.  I still prefer Noble Pils, but a very good lighter beer that I actually think would be great for the summer months.  Goes down very easily at least in part because of the good balance of flavors.  Glad to have it around as a seasonal. – 7.5/10

Overall: B+ (38/50)

6754866127 d7784a1ffe Samuel Adams Alpine Spring *

Samuel Adams - Alpine Spring

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with: , , , ,

Surly Brewing Company – Wet *

 Beer Reviews  No Responses »
Dec 232011
 

From a land far, far away from me is another really solid beer.  It is probably safe for me to now include Surly in my list of breweries that I can rely on to not have any big misses.  While that is nice, it does not help me much since I do not have any sort of regular access to their beers.  At least I get to reminisce about this one over the Christmas weekend.

Feeling a bit surly today . . .

Brewery: Surly Brewing Company (Brooklyn Center, MN)

Name: Wet

Style: American India Pale Ale

ABV: 7.50% (on brewery website)

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge before being served in a pint glass.

Aroma: A fruity, citrusy hop aroma that is full without being overwhelming.  It also has a good, slightly sweet maltiness underneath that balances the whole out quite nicely.  – 9.5/12

Appearance: A slightly pale golden amber color.  One plus finger off-white head that is thick, creamy, has great retention, and leaves very nice lacing on the glass.  Clear with rising bubbles visible. – 3/3

Flavor: A nice hit of citrusy hop flavor up front that transitions into a sharp, piney bitterness after that (quite a nice combo).  The malt character is slight by comparison, but is enough to keep it from being way out of balance.  The finish is nicely dry with the bitterness and some of the hop flavor lingering for a bit. – 16.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium to light in body with a moderate level of carbonation.  Smooth drinking, but does finish with some astringency (that seems to work). – 4/5

Overall Impressions: I really just wanted to drink this one directly from the can, but I would have missed out on the very nice aroma.  I can barely imagine how vibrant this beer must be when served  super fresh at the brewery or nearby.  Certainly hop dominant, but does balance out some as it warms.  A very nice beer that I want more of.  Could have argues for an even higher grade on this one.  – 8.5/10

Overall: A- (41.5/50)

6539256433 401693860d Surly Brewing Company Wet *

Surly Brewing Company - Wet

 Posted by Lucas at 11:00 am  Tagged with: , ,
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