Samuel Adams is a well-known and respected brewery based in Boston, Massachusetts. They are known for their wide range of craft beers, including their popular New England IPA and their summer favorite, Sam Adams Summer Ale. In this article, we will explore these two beers in detail and discuss what makes them unique.
Let's start with Samuel Adams New England IPA. This medium-bodied beer is a hazy brew that packs a big punch of citrus juiciness. It strikes a perfect balance between slight sweetness and the pineapple and grapefruit hop character, without being overly bitter. This IPA is a great choice for those who enjoy a flavorful and refreshing beer with a moderate alcohol content.
Moving on to Sam Adams Summer Ale, this beer is a refreshing American Pale Wheat Ale with a twist. It is brewed with a blend of orange, lemon, and lime peels, giving it a burst of citrusy flavors. The addition of Hallertau Mittelfruh and Saaz Noble hops adds a subtle spice to the beer, making it the perfect summer beverage. With an ABV of 5.3% and only 7 IBUs, it is a light and easy-drinking option for those hot summer days.
Both of these beers fall under the category of session IPAs. A session IPA is essentially a beer that falls in the middle of a hoppy Venn diagram of IPA, Pale Ale, and Session Ale. It is made by reducing the strength of an IPA, resulting in less alcohol and hoppy bitterness, while adding more malty notes. The result is a beer that is flavorful and hop-forward but still easy to drink and enjoy for an extended session.
One of the unique aspects of Samuel Adams beers is their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brewery takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create their beers. This dedication to excellence is evident in every sip, making Samuel Adams a trusted name in the craft beer industry.
Samuel Adams offers a diverse range of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're a fan of hoppy IPAs or prefer a light and refreshing wheat ale, there is a Samuel Adams beer for you. So, whether you're sipping on their New England IPA or enjoying the summer vibes with a glass of Sam Adams Summer Ale, you can trust that you're in for a flavorful and enjoyable drinking experience.
Does Sam Adams Have An IPA?
Samuel Adams does have an IPA called Samuel Adams New England IPA. This IPA is brewed in their nano brewery in Boston. It is a medium-bodied beer that is known for its hazy appearance. One of the standout features of this IPA is its big punch of citrus juiciness. The beer has a balanced sweetness that is complemented by the flavors of pineapple and grapefruit from the hops. Despite having a strong hop flavor, it is not overly bitter. Samuel Adams New England IPA is a popular choice for those who enjoy IPAs with a citrusy and fruity profile.
What Makes A Beer A Session IPA?
A session IPA is a type of beer that falls into the hoppy category, but with a lower alcohol content and less bitterness compared to a regular IPA. It is designed to be more sessionable, meaning you can enjoy multiple cans or bottles of it in one sitting without feeling overwhelmed by its intensity.
Here are the key characteristics that make a beer a session IPA:
1. Lower Alcohol Content: A session IPA typically has an alcohol content of around 4% to 5%, which is lower than the average IPA. This allows you to have more than one without getting excessively intoxicated.
2. Hoppy Flavor: Although session IPAs have less bitterness than traditional IPAs, they still maintain a distinct hoppy flavor. They are brewed with a generous amount of hops, which contributes to the beer's aroma and flavor profile.
3. Balanced Maltiness: To offset the hop bitterness, session IPAs often have a slightly higher malt presence. This adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the beer, creating a more balanced taste.
4. Lighter Body: Session IPAs typically have a lighter body compared to regular IPAs. This makes them more refreshing and easier to drink, especially during longer drinking sessions.
5. Aroma: Session IPAs often exhibit a strong hop aroma, with notes of citrus, pine, floral, or tropical fruits. The aroma is an important aspect of the beer and enhances the overall drinking experience.
A session IPA is a beer that combines the hoppy characteristics of an IPA with a lower alcohol content, increased maltiness, and a lighter body. It is brewed to be more sessionable, allowing you to enjoy multiple servings without overwhelming your palate or impairing your ability to appreciate its flavors.
Conclusion
Sam Adams offers a diverse range of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. Their New England IPA stands out with its medium-bodied, hazy profile and a burst of citrus juiciness. The balance of sweetness and hop character, without excessive bitterness, makes it a refreshing and enjoyable choice for IPA lovers.
For those looking for a lighter option, Sam Adams also offers a session IPA, which combines the hoppy flavors of an IPA with the lower alcohol content and maltier notes of a Pale Ale and Session Ale. This allows beer enthusiasts to enjoy the distinct hoppy taste without feeling overwhelmed by the alcohol content.
Additionally, Sam Adams has recently reformulated their Summer Ale, incorporating a blend of orange, lemon, and lime peels, along with Hallertau Mittelfruh and Saaz Noble hops, and Grains of Paradise for a subtle spice. This results in a refreshing and flavorful wheat ale that is perfect for the summer season.
It's worth mentioning that Sam Adams also caters to those who prefer non-alcoholic options with their hazy, juicy non-alcoholic IPA. This provides an alternative for individuals who want to enjoy the taste of an IPA without the alcohol content.
Sam Adams continues to deliver high-quality and innovative beers that cater to a wide range of preferences. Whether you're a fan of hoppy IPAs or looking for a lighter option, there is a Sam Adams beer for everyone.
