Samuel Adams Alpine Spring: best new beer

incorrect use of noble hops is when you get that over-citrus flavor [orange] (especially in tettnanger) when it seems to be concentrated, noble hops are meant to be subtle. It doesn't matter how many varieties they use.

 

that was

they wanted to make a citrusy lager though. I understand it's not to your liking. I don't even enjoy it very much, but they wanted that concentrated citrusy flavor.

 

still imo that is a misuse of the hop, tettnanger can be far more amazing that it is in this beer, this beer does nothing to showcase the single hop. In fact you can get the same effect with a multitude of other domestic hops.

 

Anise? I have never gotten any sort of anise, fennel, licorice sort of character in any of those beers. It's a character that stands out, and would stand out greatly in a lighter, more delicate sort of beer like the Noble Pils -- and I'd have hated it.

 

To me, that licorice-like flavor does stand out - maybe it wouldn't in an ale, but I usually can't drink more than one SA lager at a time because of it. It seems to build to a harsh level on my palate by the time I finish a pint. I don't think SA makes bad beers, overall - but I try to keep giving their lagers a chance and sometimes I keep wondering why I do it.

 

Well, as said, I have never tasted any of that character in their beers and I honestly think that these 2 new lagers they're making are pretty good to style. Yes, I can taste some of that "house" character in the beers, but it doesn't come off as strong to me as it does in the Boston Lager -- and it definitely doesn't make me think of Blackjack gum or Smith Bros. cough drops!

 

Again, maybe I'm the only one here who feels this way - but the anise qualities I've gotten are never that strong! But there is always something sticking out while I drink these that causes me to furrow my brow. Of course the flavors are clean enough overall for this to stick out, and it just nags at me. I don't know - this is the best explanation that I've been able to come up with so far.

 

I tried a few bottles, and thought it was an average summer beer (I know it's a spring seasonal, but it screams summer to me). Had it on tap and liked it a little more. I wish they had just done a straight up Munich Helles, one of the most drinkable styles out there, and so few good examples in the US. If I can find even a remotely fresh Weihenstaphan Original I buy it.

 

I've been meaning to try their new spring offerings.