Here’s the second of the two new beers from the Samuel Adams 2017 Beers of Fall Sampler: Samuel Adams Maple Red. But is this really a “new” beer? And why are we as beer geeks so fixated on drinking new beers all the time? I must confess that I’ve been guilty of that charge for my entire beer-drinking career, of late I’ve been drinking more tried and true old favorites. To be sure, none of the nights on which I drink beer goes by without trying something novel. Increasingly, however, I’m going back to the classics.
In which camp, however, does Samuel Adams Maple Red fall? The name is new, but the beer is suspiciously similar to Samuel Adams Maple Ale, which appeared in last year’s fall pack. Let’s take a look at the ingredients list on both:
Samuel Adams Maple Ale:
HOP VARIETIES Chinook
MALT VARIETIES Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Special B, Naked Oats
YEAST STRAIN Samuel Adams Ale Yeast
Samuel Adams Maple Red:
HOP VARIETIES Chinook
MALT VARIETIES Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Special B, Naked Oats
YEAST STRAIN (Not Given)
Samuel Adams Maple Ale had an alcohol content of 6.3% by volume with 18 IBUs. Samuel Adams Maple Red has an alcohol content of 6.2% by volume with 18 IBUs. Actually, my bottle says 6.2% ABV but the Samuel Adams website say 6.3%.
So, you be the judge here. I actually thought Maple Red was a sort of a brown ale, but I can see the red ale/amber ale in this year’s edition. It seems soft malty like a brown ale too. The two are not all that different.
From the website:
As vibrant in color as fall's liveliest foliage, this deep red beer's hints of caramel and vanilla are rounded out by a smooth, rich maple character. Warming enough for a chilly fall day, its distinct notes of maple dance against a slightly sweet malt background and make this complex beer the perfect bridge into cooler weather.
The price is right at $13.29 for the fall sampler at Target. For 2017, you’ll get two bottles each of the following beers:
· Samuel Adams 20 Pounds of Pumpkin
· Samuel Adams Maple Red
· Samuel Adams Honey Rye Pale Ale
Samuel Adams Maple Red pours to a deep reddish chestnut color with a thick creamy head and a soft toasted malt nose. Taking a sip, I get soft cookie malt, toasted nuts, and some tasty hints of maple all leading into a balanced gently grassy finish. The beer is a little flinty in the nose and palate, just like last year’s version, and I think that there’s more maple this time around, a definite improvement as I found last year’s brew lacking there.
However you stack it up, I enjoyed this during the Patriots season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was quite tasty and I’ll be back for more friends. Whatever they call it next time around.
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