Beer-a-Day #176
This is another in the Samuel Adams Imperial Series.
Samuel Adams® Imperial White is a new perspective on the classic witbier style. Witbiers are normally light and refreshing with a fruity finish and we wanted to see how these characteristics would stand up when we amped up the recipe. We were totally blown away by the flavors that were created by this beer.
This is not just a more intense version of our spring seasonal Samuel Adams® White Ale. Imperial White is a new recipe that stands on it own merits. In fact, it is more of a wine substitute than just another refreshing witbier. This is a beer that should be sipped and savored and you’ll be amazed at the flavors you’ll discover as the beer warms and opens up.
Witbiers are not generally a favorite of mine, but this sounds intriguing.
Medium amber and hazy; thick, off-white head. It smells like a wit, but much bigger. Big body. It reminds me of a doppelbock, honestly. Some alcohol heat.
10.3% ABV. This will be my only beer of the evening, but I will thoroughly enjoy it.
the sam adams imperial white ale, which is a pretty new concept as far as i know, is an interesting ale however you wish you judge it. at 10.5% abv it is most certainly a “strong ale” and it has a variety of accents like no other american ale. caramel is one of the first that comes to mind, syrup-like texture, alcohol, flora, orange/lemon, all you would expect from a witbier aside from the texture. after a glass of this, my mouth and lips were sticky like i had actually eaten a caramel. 2 of these will bottles are enough to give you a beer buzz like you’ve already drunk a 6 pack of boston lager. i definately am more of a belgian ale guy, but some of the new american “extreme” ales are really awesome. i enjoyed this one. definately not what i expected and maybe thats a good thing.