Samuel Adams IPL opinions

The only 6 pack I have seen is for the Alpine. I would take a 6 pack of the Maple Pecan but the rest did nothing for me. Not bad but nothing memorable.

 

What do you mean by "pretty sure it's most likely run of the mill"? Sounds like you haven't tried it. If I read you correctly, you are giving us an opinion of a beer you've never had.

 

Meh, I thought it was OK. I'll take a Hoponious Union over it any day.

 

Maple Pecan was the best of the Spring Thaw IMO. Would love to see some 6ers of it.

 

Sadly this beer will probably get more recognition than Jack's Abby Hoponius Union which I saw someone else mention. Hoponius Union is a MUCH better beer. Also I am fairly confident it was the first IPL. I like Sam Admas and all but if you were to drink Double Agent next to Hoponius Union I doubt there is anyone who would pick Double Agent over Hoponius.

 

I had it for the first time this weekend, it's good but Jack's Abby Hopponeus Union is the best "IPL" in my opinion, they set the standard.

 

Alpine Spring is an awesome beer, one of my favorite seasonals, period! I think it deserves a much higher rating on this site than it has.

 

I liked it, but I thought the hops character was much more like Noble Pils (herbal, peppery) than the West Coast the label described (citrus/piney).

 

It's pretty good but nothing to get excited over, imho.

 

Better than Day Time is a bold statement for any sub 5% beer...but you go t my ear. Looking forward to checking it out. Cheers!

 

HU is a much better beer. But HU is 6.7% ABV. Double Agent is only 5.0% ABV, which makes it a terrific choice when you want something more sessionable.

 

Kiwi Rising gets my kiwi rising...amirite?

 

Haven't seen this in Northern Illinois yet, but for the mixed 12 pack. It'll be interesting to try based on the concept.

 

You ought to build up that in depth esoteric knowledge of the styles and whatnot before passing a judgment -- and you're in a great location for that sort of "study." Beer is not all crush-the-palate character and flavor, it can be highly mellow and subtle and still be delicious and satisfying. Well, at least satisfying to many.

 

Exactly. Here here.

 

It has nothing to do with the style. Just making a prediction based on the majority of their offerings, which are mostly solid, nothing-to-rave-about beers.

 

I think it's a very tasty hop forward Lager but...the Sam Adams Lager that first came out was so much better...better hop profile.

 

Thanks for saying this. I was thinking like did jacks abby go global recently.

 

Sam Adams IPL is to Jack's Abby Hoponious Union IPL
as
Budweiser Lager is to Sam Adams Boston Lager

Seems to me SA saw a new local brewer come out with a style that was gaining popularity and sweeping New England and felt they had to compete(or corner/steal the market), all while watering it down the masses.

Still a solid session beer though. Just that Jack's Abby has already set the bar so much higher for IPL's.