Sam Adams Winter Classics '18...

Yes, this is disappointing. It's been a tradition in my family to buy a case for Thanksgiving/Christmas, mainly based on the Old Fezziwig, but I really don't see the point if it's only got two other specialties (and I agree, the Chocolate Bock is not a favorite). The Sam '76 doesn't even seem to fit in my opinion. Fortunately, there are plenty of other beers that have become holiday classics for us so there are a lot of other options.

 

Coming from Origlio, it's accurate. I feel it's really a bad move though, especially for a brewery on the ropes. I know they want to promote the '76, and it is a good beer, and I see where they're going with that - uncle Charlie or whomever who doesn't really drink craft beer - but they're not playing to their base. Or has their base already left them?

 

Sam 76 was a major miss for me - and it certainly does not belong in a winter pack. Swap it out for their black lager or Scotch Ale and I would be good for one 12-pack.

 

Yeah, agree - but they seem to be putting a lot of dollars behind promoting 76. I wonder if it is paying off.

I liked those beers you mention as well. I felt that Sparklin Ale was really on to something, but it needed a little more intensity. That year (was it last year?/) was a good mix pack.

 

if that's true the Sierra Nevada winter pack is the same as it was last year which seems surprising:

https://www.origlio.com/beverage/sierra-nevada-snowpack

 

look at the SN Snow Pack image. It is different from last year - so perhaps description is wrong

 

Same beers as last year but with different formulas [except for PA], confirmed here: Sierra Nevada Fall (2018) Mix Pack.

 

Not a bad mix really if you look at it from a party perspective, has something for everyone and I am sure SA is hoping that '76 clicks with some new drinkers and then they seek it out. It's an enjoyable beer but agree that it does not scream winter to me.

 

Bring back Merry Maker Gingerbread Stout, it's incredible.

 

I don't have a problem with Sam '76 or Boston Lager. I'll drink them, fine. But this is just lazy as hell. Might just skip the pack entirely. Way to much good beer out there for this BS.

 

Very interested as to why Winter Lager always makes the winter pack and White Christmas does not. Not complaining because White Christmas isnt good, just curious.

 

Sam '76 is a really odd choice, the only obvious explanation is that they keep pushing the beer on people in hopes of increasing sales.

It actually would fit nicely in a spring/summer pack. But Winter?

It's actually the season that makes the least sense...the fall didn't have '76 in it either. In fact, the fall mix pack was far more winter-like than this pack.

I'm kind of surprised they didn't toss their New England IPA in there if they were going to put a year-round beer in this mix pack. Maybe that's doing much better in sales than '76 is?

 

People either seem to like Sam 76 or hate it. Its clearly been a success for them. Not an apparent flop like their Nitro can line they tried to push not that long ago.

 

I for one really enjoyed the IPA and Coffee Stout Nitro (gasp) beers. Was sad to see them tank.