As I mentioned in my previous post, America’s craft brewers are busy rolling out their summer seasonals. I’m more of a full-flavored, intense beer person myself – all year – but I get the popularity of beers with light body, low alcohol and refreshing flavors for warm weather drinking.
Frankly, I’m content with The Boston Beer Company’s flagship beer – Samuel Adams Boston Lager – or their Rebel IPA. But I’m sure the vast majority of their market will anxiously snap up the following brews.
Samuel Adams Porch Rocker. This is a good example of a summer seasonal concocted specifically for the summer heat and outdoor activities. As the company notes, it is a take on a Bavarian Radler, which typically combines lager and lemonade. Samuel Adams used their two-row pale malt blend and Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops to brew a German Helles-style lager and added lemon. It’s lightness is emphasized by its low 4.4% ABV and 8 IBUs. Those who like fruity beers will find this satisfying.
Samuel Adams Downtime Pilsner. A limited release summer seasonal, this one is Samuel Adams’ take on a classic German Pilsner. They, of course, started with traditional Bavarian Noble hops (in this case, Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Hersbrucker) but added new hop varieties, Herkules and Mandarina. The combination yields delicate floral and spice notes along with citrus and black pepper. At 5.0% alcohol and 30 IBUs, it’s not too strong and not too bitter.
Samuel Adams Summer Ale. a different take on the summer seasonal, this is an American wheat ale refreshed with Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Saaz Noble hops that, along with the addition of lemon peel, presents a bright citrus note. But this time the citrus is balanced with malty notes from Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend and malted wheat and a suggestion of cardamom-like pepper from the addition of Grains of Paradise. At 5.3% ABV and 7IBUs, it all makes for a pleasant sipper for a pleasant summer day.