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

 

After thinking about it very briefly I realize that I have already forgotten the beer related goals that I set for myself this year.  That did not take very long.

The last bit of beer news for January . . .

woody Ambitious Goals

via http://flyingdogales.com

 

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

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