Boston Beer Company – Samuel Adams Alpine Spring
Posted by jmarler on Feb 28, 2012 in Reviews | 0 commentsBoston Brewing brings us a new entry in their line of seasonal brews. This new beer defies categorization by being a combination of a Heller, Bock, and Kellerbier. That alone should give you enough reason to try this beer if for no other reason than morbid curiosity. With the quality of seasonal beers that has been coming from this brewery lately, the decision should be easy. As the largest craft brewery in the US you can find it just about anywhere you find Sam Adams’ offerings.
Appearance
Light amber with a slight bit of cloudiness. The brewer’s notes say this beer is unfiltered but it’s not as cloudy as one would expect. Good thick lacing as the beer warms up.
Aroma
The nose is light with a hint of citrusy hops. There are hints of a sweet, fruity note as well with no strong alcohol scent.
Taste
At first taste, I want to call this beer a classic pilsner, dismiss it, and keep drinking. As I continue to go back I can taste some subtle funky notes lingering in with the hops and grains. Boston Brewing keeps to their roots of large hop flavors and for the style this beer delivers. It’s doesn’t smack you in the face with bitterness, but the hops are well balanced against the sweetness of this beer that just pushes the limits. The flavors mellow out as the beer warms and stays easy to drink throughout.
Overall
Boston Brewing lives up to their reputation of quality with this beer. I have had it bottled at home and on draft in a Houston Hobby Airport bar and there was little difference. Typically I prefer their beers on draft, but this beer was very consistent from 12 oz. bottle to draft. If you are looking for a pilsner that’s just unique enough to not taste like everything else, give it a shot. It’s not heavy and it will go great with the warmer weather we have coming shortly here in Central Texas.
Brewtiful Beer Rating
3.5/5
Flavor: Crisp and slightly sweet with bright citrus and spicy hop notesColor: Hazy Golden / 9 SRM Original Gravity: 14.2 Plato Alcohol by Vol/Wt: 5.5%ABV – 4.3%ABW Calories/12 oz.: 186 IBUs: 19 Malt Varieties: Two-row Harrington, Metcalfe, and Copeland pale malts, Honey malt Hop Varieties: Tettnang Tettnanger Noble hops Yeast Strain: Samuel Adams lager yeast Availability: Seasonal (January – March) in six-packs, 12-packs and on draft. It is also available in the Samuel Adams Brewer’s Choice Variety 12-Pack First Brewed: 2012