Can it really be that it’s been ten years since Samuel Adamsreleased their Brewer Patriot collection of beers? It has been. I mention this because I’m here today to tell you about Samuel Adams Ginger Beer, one of the two new brews in the 2016 Samuel Adams Winter Classics variety pack. That makes me think about Samuel Adams Traditional Ginger Honey Ale, which was included in the Brewer Patriot collection. The two, however, are very different beers indeed.

Ginger is a classic holiday ingredient, appearing in pies, cakes, cookies, breads, and drinks. Why not in beer then, too? Ginger beers don’t necessarily abound these days, but there’s no dearth of them either. Samuel Adams version expresses the ginger well and is a refreshing, drinkable holiday beverage.

In the 2016 Samuel Adams Winter Classics pack you will get 2 bottles of Samuel Adams Ginger Beer, plus two bottles each of:

·         Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock

·         Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig

·         Samuel Adams Winter Lager

·         Samuel Adams Boston Lager

·         Samuel Adams Hopflake White IPA

I must say that I am again quite disappointed that Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic is not included in the Winter Classics collection. This year, you can actually buy in bomber bottles (and I would be fine getting it that way)-but only at the brewery in Jamaica Plains.

From the website:

This beer's biscuity malt flavor and hint of citrusy hops are the backdrop for the bold zest of ginger, which adds a warming, spicy character that's just right for a cool night.

Ingredients from the website:

HOP VARIETIES Chinook, Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Simcoe

MALT VARIETIES Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, White Wheat

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS Ginger Puree, Lime Peel

Samuel Adams Ginger Beer has an alcohol content of 6% by volume with 18 IBUs. I picked up the sampler pack at Publix for $13.99. My bottle is notched as best before April 2017.

Samuel Adams Ginger Beer pours to a light golden color with a soft fizzy head and a light fresh ginger nose. The beer is light crisp malty, a little toasty even, and as I pull on it I get fresh ginger flavor in each sip. The ginger is light and bright and pops as the beer progresses, and at the last the beer has pleasant bitter hop finish, a light suggestion of citrus and more spicy pungent ginger. Very nicely done, it presents the feature ingredient well but does not overpower and that makes it eminently drinkable.

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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