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It's all about the zest.
Rated 7.77 by 151 Beer Drinkers.
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Summer Grains of Paradise
By Chef Executive David Lauterbach
Like most things, beer has it's season. Dark, hearty brews feel good in the fall and winter, and light pilsners and ales are just so durn tasty going down on a hot summer afternoon. Sam Adams Summer Ale is (surprise) one of those beers.
Those of you that have frequented Brian's Belly may already know that I usually don't care for any brews that are described as "wheaty" or use the word wheat in any way to promote the beer- it gives me visions of all kinds of things that make me shudder... like bowls of Wheaties or rednecks with a strand of wheat clenched in their gums.
But, as you would expect, beer has once again helped me overcome one of my own personal little foibles- and despite the fictional Sammy's ocassionally whimsical marketing gobbeldygook, I like this white ale that they have defined as "wheat ale brewed with grains of paradise and lemon zest." As it turns out, "grains of paradise" is an actual type of spice from the ginger family (insert Ginger Spice joke here).
What does that mean to you, the end-drinker? It means it's sensoric qualities can be defined as spicy (but not hot) and a little bitter. According to legend, the grains of paradise have aphrodisiac properties, which may emphasize your sexual prowess when drinking... like any man needs that.
The "zest" is a hint of citrus- like a squirt of lemon. It's nice and it makes for a tangy, refreshing beer... exactly what your body needs on a warm day. It pours a bit hazy into your glass, but levels to a nice golden color in a minute.
I usually think that beers that require you to add lemon or lime to are trying to hide something... a la Corona, to which I consider the wedge of lime an antidote of sorts. But this is different, and the aforementioned zest is a welcome taste to the brew.
Available April to August- so drink 'em while you can. As with most of Sammy's beers, we always recommend visiting their website for even more info.
Rated 7.77 by 151 Beer Drinkers.
Add Your Own Comment There are 46 Drinker Comments - Last 10 Displayed
8shesips» Pale,golden,blond... these are my leanings. This beer is quite refreshing and sooo tasty. 11AmberNAndy» We wait all year for this beer! It's a favorite with our whole family, TRY THIS BEER! 11rokndady» This beer is great! There's nothing better than a hot summer afternoon out on a shady porch with a Sam Adams Summer Ale and a Nelson Demille novel! It doesn't get any better than that! 8arn bundy» I like these to relax in the summer. The problem with Sam Seasonals is that you have to compare them to the damn Octoberfest. 6Scrappy» Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat is much better, but I like a few of these once a year. 7Mike D» A tasty brew even though i dont like wheat. A little too light though. 10Dave» The best seasonal beer I have tasted. Better then the traditional hefeweizen. 8Graydog» Don't usually like wheat beers but love this one. And as for the Coors comment.....Coors, Bud, Miller, etc are not beers. They are sour yellow soda pops fit only for the faint of heart, children, and anyone who fears flavor. 9abbi» Great beer wish it was aroung all year. When your sitting out by the lake and it's hot, it still tastes good slightly warm. thanks Sammy 9jenn» soo citrusy and yummy...perfect for outside
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Like most things, beer has it's season. Dark, hearty brews feel good in the fall and winter, and light pilsners and ales are just so durn tasty going down on a hot summer afternoon. Sam Adams Summer Ale is (surprise) one of those beers.
