Sammy's Strong Ale
Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Served in a 10 ounce Chimay goblet for five dollars today at Hollingshead's Deli in the city of Orange, this might be my favorite place to drink beer officially

Color was an amber-like light brown with not much carbonation and a nice 3/4 inch vanilla colored frothy head that left lacing the entire way through

Smell was full of fruity malt, hints of pomegranates, apricots, and some citrus accents (lemons and oranges in particular)

Taste was so smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, this is not a strong ale by the way, it is a Belgian tripel, minor tart finish giving the beer an even more enjoyable taste, not hoppy at all, soft texture with some raisins and plums, very nice sipper

Too bad this is another tap-only beer from Bear Republic Brewing Company, but I heard they are expanding drastically in the near future, so who knows it could be bottled real soon

Should have gotten another, but I had to do some more driving, that is why I steered clear of the 16 ounce pour in the first place, felt like more alcohol than six percent too

Took about thirty minutes drinking this one, but could have drank it much faster and a lot more of it, this is an A+ Belgian, one of the better ones I have had, do not be fooled by the title when determining beer style

Tastes even better as it warms, noticed this in the last few sips of my glass

Highly recommended, but probably very hard to find unless you live next to the brewpub or a great place like the one I enjoyed this at, only time I have ever seen this

On-tap at Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange, CA,

A: Pours a bright orange colour, with a medium pearly white head, into a Chimay chalice.

S: Smells much like a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, though listed as a tripel at the deli, pears and oranges abound, with a hint of spice.

T: Lighter in taste than an average BSPA or tripel, but it still had a very nice estery taste with lots of apples and pears, some candied sugar notes, and a splash of noble hops.

M: Medium-bodied and smooth, phenolic, a little medicinal, but the low alcohol for a Belgian-style beer made it quite refreshing on a 90 degree Indian summer day.

D: A very good American interpretation of a Belgian, Bear Republic continues to impress and make great beers, I'm definitely a fan of this brewery's fine ales, try this one if you can find it on-tap in California.

Had this at the Bear Republic Brew Pub. Color was on the light side for a strong ale being a medium amber. Smell was of sharp hops and grain, nice hoppy taste with some slightly roasted sharpness similar to this brewery's heritage ale. Very refreshing for a "strong style" ale. Nice and drinkable and was a good choice on a day when the pub had a bit of a lackluster line up.