Samuel Adams Alpine Spring: best new beer

See, I think that quality falls more on the BBC yeast that's used, which isn't exactly "estery" in an English Ale yeast quality, more just tangy and slightly dry. I understand the comparison to fresh Keller Bier in Germany, but I imagine that if you put all them side-by-side you'd find a lot of variance and some you may not like as much as others.

Just the idea that there are some new lagers being thrown into the mix makes me happy.

 

Sing it!

 

I liked Alpine Spring and the Whitewater IPA. I still wish Noble Pils was around instead though.

 

Having the Noble Pils available year round is great, as I think it is a perfect beer for the summer!

 

I plan to give it a shot when spring comes around, I mean, they say it right in their description that it's 'brewed especially for the season', so I figure that would be a good time to try it. Looking forward to it though as Sam Adams generally puts out quality product and I like trying out new styles- the positive reviews definitely help too.

 

You know it's now out and one of the Sam Adams year-round regulars, right?

 

On a slightly off note. SA summer Ale is on the shelves in NC. While I am excited because I always look forward to this during the summer, it is only March 1st for crying out loud. Oh well, at least its fresh.

 

Yeah, I saw Goose Island Summertime on shelves this week too -- opted not to buy it yet, maybe my own little statement on the odd push of the seasons.

 

The Alpines great, so is the Whitewater. The Mighty Oak dissapoints

 

I purchased a sixtel of this for my son's birthday party last weekend. For some reason this keg is super foamy. I've lowered the gas pressure to 5 and its still too much head. Anyone else have this in their kegerator?

 

I might be in the minority, but I thought it was horrible. I couldn't put my finger on what exactly I didn't like, but it was definitely off and the other people I was with agreed with me. It was at a bar with 3 or 4 taps and after a pitcher of this, we went to whatever macro they had.

 

Happened to be out meeting an old friend for a beer after work tonight -- Alpine on tap, was quite nice -- more of the crackery, grainy character to my palate and even mildly hoppier, but pretty tasty. Not sure what's going on with the sixtel Drinky, might have to back the gas way off.

 

Agreed, Alpine Spring impressed me to no end. Sam Adams can really brew a lager.

 

I have this feeling that it could be SA's lager yeast that gives me some of the tacky malt flavors I've had from a number of their lagers...but, while I don't think their Oktoberfest is awesome - I also don't get that same anise-like taste to it that I've had from Noble Pils, Boston Lager and Alpine Spring, which seem to share a decent part of their malt-bills.

 

I enjoyed it, but not as much as Noble Pils. I thought it was noticeably sweeter. Still very drinkable though. Its a nice offering in restaurants whose craft beer selection is limited to a seasonal SA or two.

 

Oh I wasn't aware of that. I haven't seen it around so I guess I assumed Alpine Spring was replacing it. Thanks for the heads up!

 

The first time I had it (at Applebee's; great beer bar, I know) I thought it was very good. When I bought a growler of it for Super Bowl then another pint somewhere else I thought it was crap. Personally I won't order it again this year.

 

Noble Pils was definitely better. IMO.

They seem to do pretty well with Lagers, I just wish they would bring back the Hallertau Imperial Pilsner.
I remember reeeally enjoying it, but it was before I was really into hops and extreme beers, so I think I would appreciate it even more now.

 

I think this is where Sam Adams beers shine. when you want to have a tasty beer, but don't want to have to contemplate each sip.

 

I wonder how they butchered the one hop variety they used.