Last week I was disappointed with the Spruce Lager in the Sam Adams Fall 12-pack. Luckily, though, although sometimes we get a less than stellar beer in the sampler, it’s rare indeed that we get two. So far, that theory has held true for the 2018 Beers of Fall Sampler as I sip on Samuel Adams Coffee Pale Ale. In the sampler, you will get two bottles each of the Coffee Pale Ale and Spruce lager as well as two bottles each of:

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

Samuel Adams Black Lager

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Samuel Adams Pumpkin Ale

Now, the first three are tried and true classics, so we can feel safe with them. The Pumpkin Ale is sort of new (Boston Beer has done plenty of pumpkin beers before), but as I have yet to try it it will be the proof in my pudding.

For now, though, we have Samuel Adams Coffee Pale Ale. In my experience most coffee beers are based on stouts and porters, though coffee IPAs seem to be more numerous. This is the first coffee pale ale, however, I have come across. If memory serves.

There is no description on the neck label here as is generally the case, and none on the Samuel Adams website, either. My bottle cites an alcohol content of 5.5% by volume with 20 IBUs. It is notched as best before January of 2019. I paid $13.99 for the 12-pack at Kroger.

Samuel Adams Coffee Pale Ale pours to a surprisingly murky light brown color with a thick creamy head and a robust coffee grind nose. Taking a sip the beer is medium malty, about right for a pale ale, and bursting with coffee in the aroma and the palate. A hint of caramel works with the coffee to suggest Toffifay candy. Finishes slightly roasty with balancing grassy hops to provide a  chicory impression.

Tasty indeed, my faith in Boston Beer is restored.

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

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