We’re well into fall and quickly approaching the holiday season. And the brewers at Samuel Adams have brewed up a six-pack of seasonals I am confident you will enjoy. Herewith reviews and recommendations:
Samuel Adams Octoberfest (5.3% ABV 16 IBU)
Octoberfest celebrations may be in your rear window but this fine Märzen style beer should still be in your front seat (that’s a metaphor; I don’t mean of your actual car). It is a pleasant, easy drinking, deep red amber brew with malt and wheat tones. It’s Tettnang Tettnanger, Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops tread lightly, while and its malts – Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Munich-10, Samuel Adams Octoberfest malt, and Caramel 60 – dominate providing a smooth palate and finish.
This deep golden beer uses Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend and White Wheat with Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Spalt Spalter Noble hops to achieve a malty profile with a touch of caramel followed by spicy citrusy and lightly earthy qualities that finish fairly dry with some bitterness. It puts a seasonal twist on a traditional hefeweizen with the addition of warming fall flavors. Aromatic notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the slightly sweet and clove flavors characteristic of the style, making for a bright, spiced beer.
Samuel Adams 20 Pounds Of Pumpkin (5.7% ABV 14 IBU)
Dark reddish amber in color, this one begins with Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Caramel 60, Special B, and smoked malt, which presumably is responsible for the malty flavors that compliment a mildly fruity beer. I don’t pick up the East Kent Goldings and Fuggles hops but they likely are what lift this nice drink to excellence, ending with a very spicy finish. Critically, it is brewed with real pumpkin – about 20 lbs. of it per barrel – and a blend of classic pumpkin pie spices – clove, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. It yields a rich pumpkin pie taste (not sweet, though) accented with those brown spices.
Samuel Adams Dunkelweizen (5.1% ABV 13 IBU)
This amber wheat beer (pretty dark amber brown color) combines the spicy, fruity flavors of a traditional Hefeweizen with the sweet, toffee-like notes of roasted malt. Chinook hops compliment Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Wheat, Dehusked Carafa malt varieties. Aromas of creamy caramel and cardamon anticipate similarly spicy flavors with a creamy texture and a crisp finish.
Samuel Adams Honey Rye Pale Ale (5.8% ABV 33 IBU)
With a base of Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Rye Malt, Honey Malt and Simcoe, Cascade, Ella hop varieties, this deep amber drink satisfies with peppery, creamy, malty aromas and a light, crisp, citrusy palate finishing with a slightly bitter herb (maybe from the rye?) finish.
Samuel Adams Maple Red Ale (6.3% ABV 18 IBU)
A smooth, rich maple character (Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Special B, Naked Oats malt varieties) rounds out this deep red beverage’s hints of malt, pine and vanilla. With a fresh impact, more mapley malt and pine, leading into a spicy, crisp ending. Chinook hop varieties add a note of complexity.
So, pick up a mixed six pack including each beer or maybe six six packs, one of each beer. They’re a fine way to ease into the colder weather of the season.
NOTE: Featured image is courtesy of Samuel Adams.