Sam Adams Triple Bock availability

I'm pretty sure I have or can get this

 

They made this again? I thought its last production was 97'?

 

Last batch was indeed 97, but they dumped a ton of it on the beer scene a few years ago. It has to have been at least 4-5 years now. It wouldn't shock me if there are still a few bottles sitting in some dusty corner of a beer store that time forgot, but for the most part, it's gone.

Even if you find it though, it's awful. It sounds like about 9 out of every 10 bottles had turned to pure soy sauce, including all the ones I tried.

 

In all seriousness, old timers, what did this taste like fresh? By description, this shouldn't be as awful as everyone says. I imagine it was hot as can be fresh...but was it less off putting?

I'd answer, but I was 14 when the last bottles came out, if my math is right.

 

I really liked the 97 circa 2003 or so. It was very port wine-esqe. Malty and sweet.

Still have a bottle of 97 in the cellar. Discount Liquor here in Milwaukee WI still has the 97 on the shelf. $9 I think. Tempted to buy one just to see if it held up at the store or not. I've heard some actually held up.

 

Saw some bottles as recently as last summer in Springfield. Definitely still floating around in some of the smaller stores.

 

It was very sweet, tasting of maple syrup and port, and nearly viscous. Was never hot or fusel. I have an old half-bottle in the fridge I cook with, but rarely enjoyed it on its own, except as a digestif.

 

The best comparison of something easily obtainable today that I can think of is Samichlaus. I'd love to be able to do a side by side of TB fresh with Sami, but if I recall correctly, they are shockingly close. Both very sweet and syrupy over the top bocks. Unfortunately I was more of a craft neophyte in the mid 90's so my palate wasn't good enough to make strong lasting impressions, but Sam Adams was one of my first true loves so I tried everything from them.

 

Figured I'd rehash this since I'm wondering about this. Has anyone in the Mass/RI area come across this lately? I'd prefer to find a 94 or 95, but I'd settle for a 97. Monk's Cafe in Philly (I'm going in September) has it on their bottle list but I don't think I'd be able to leave with it.

 

Was at Monk's in April and wanted desperately to take one but they would only let me take it if they opened it first. So I passed. It was $45 and I had no assurance on quality.

 

Discount Liquors in Milwaukee had some '97 on the shelves for $10 when I was there a couple of months ago. It had been there a while and I don't think it moves. You might want to call them. I don't think they ship but a buy and trade could be an option for you.

 

Wow, 45 bucks is quite steep for an 8 oz bottle. Sometimes I just don't understand the rules of these restaurants. I understand that it may be a law that they can't sell sealed bottles, but aren't you promoting worse if they let you leave after you open it?

Hmm, sounds like an option. I'll look into it. Thank you.

 

Had it right when the first batch came out ... '94 I think. It hurt to put down $10 for a bottle, as I was a poor college student. It hurt much more when I tried to drink the thick, goopy soy sauce found within. I kept the attractive bottle, but the contents still rank as my Worst Beer Ever some two decades later.

 

Anyone still interested in this should BM me. Coming to the game late but can hook anyone up that still may want to try it