Better than Bad
Samuel Adams beers are generally some of the best nationally distributed beers. While I find this particular Summer variety to be just above average, it’s still refreshing and about 10,000 times better than drinking a Coors Light or a Bud Light Lime or a Corona (yes, sorry, Corona belongs in that same category). Without further ado, away we go:
Appearance:
[rating:3/5]
The biggest concern here is that the beer actually appears a bit too “bubbly” for my typical taste. However, as a Summer style of ale from Samuel Adams, heavily carbonated is likely very intentional. The beer has a thick, frothy head and pours a pure golden color with great clarity.
Aroma:
[rating:5/10]
There is a slight hop aroma, though it’s subtle. The aroma hints that the beer is hop forward, but a stronger aroma would be preferable.
Flavor:
[rating:5/10]
This is a very crisp beer. There is a bready taste and very little in the way of any maltiness. As noted, above, the aroma was correct, as it is a hop forward ale, but again there is a desire for more. This tastes like a great “gateway” beer, like Cricket Hill’s Hopnotic IPA.
Palate:
[rating:3/5]
Mouthfeel here is all about the heavy carbonation at first… overpoweringly bubbly for me. After a few sips, this becomes a more welcome mouthfeel and by about half way through, I’d even say it’s relatively pleasant. There is a very dry finish to each sip, and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Overall:
[rating:11/20]
This beer screams Summer fun. To quote a song from a TV show of my youth: “It’s better than bad, it’s good”. I wouldn’t buy a full case of this, but I’d gladly drink another couple if I were to pick up a second Sam Adams Summer Variety case.
Pssst… that’s it for the review, but I had a few notes from my friends at Keystone Homebrew Supply. They have a homebrew competiton coming up at Allentown Brew Works. Check out their page for other great stuff going on there.
