Try?
The second time is the charm for Samuel Adams Hoppy Red, at least in my case. This beer had been previously released in some sampler or another, though I missed it then. For 2016, however, it was again included in the Fall variety pack, which I did pick up. So, here come my thoughts on this beer. I know you’ve been waiting for them.
This is not the first red ale from Boston Beer to see major release; that would be Samuel Adams Irish Red. I feel compelled to mention I preferred that beer to this one. Samuel Adams Hoppy Red is similar to that beer in the malt department, but has an additional hop presence. Obviously.
Besides the Hoppy Red you will get two bottles each of these beers in the sampler:
Samuel Adams Toasted Caramel Bock
From the label:
Amber, smooth and resinous, this ale was inspired by our exploration of Australian hops. We discovered that their rugged, spicy and piney character brightened a backbone of roasted caramel malts, creating a beer with great depth and smoothness.
Ingredients from the website:
Hop Varieties: East Kent Goldings, Northern Brewer, Hallertau Mitterlfrueh, Nelson Sauvin and Ella.
Malts: Samuel Adams Two-Row Pale Malt blend, Caramel 60, Special B.
Samuel Adams Hoppy Red has an alcohol content of 5,7% by volume with 44 IBUs. I paid $13.29 for the 12-pack at Target. The bottle I am reviewing is notched as best before December of 2016; I drank it on November 5th.
Samuel Adams Hoppy Red pours to a beautiful russet color with a medium head of creamy foam and a beautifully Earthy hop aroma in the nose. Taking a sip, the beer is lush with stewed malt notes up front, slightly berry fruity and lightly chocolatey, with dry resiny and herbal grassy herbal hop notes. A nice enough beer and a decent red, surely one I would drink again if I saw it on tap or came across it in another 12-pack.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
