Maibock
Samuel Adams (Boston Beer Company)

i dont think these guys get enough credit for when they hit, enough other arms of the business and so many changes to their beer identity that its easy to forget how great they can be, how much buying power and market influence they have, and seem to use rather responsibly, and its cool to have one of their more interesting beers ive had from them in a long long time, a traditional but also distinctive due to the hops take on maibock, impressive. a nice pretty butterscotch color to it with high shine, immaculate clarity, and over an inch of white head thats dense to the point of almost looking nitro, great retention and lace, this looks almost ideal for the style. the nose is classic too, enriched on the grain side, sweet like toffee or honey, baked and earthy too, warm and hearty, a bit autumnal really, and unique because of the hops, several of which i have never heard of before this beer, which is super cool, especially in a not super hoppy style like this. the hops are record, tango, and diamant, okay? this is herbal and somewhat bitter, but it has unique subtleties from cut flowers to spiciness to cooked citrus, definitely works in this maibock, seems cool and uncommon with the lager yeast, but the hoppiness overall stays mellow enough for this to still be true to style. a little fuller body and with some residual sweetness, but super balanced, intriguing, and the quality is off the charts. i wish this type of stuff from these guys was a little more prevalent, but im thankful to have been able to enjoy a pour of this, a good and needed reminder that sam can still be cool...