It had to happen. Samuel Adams has a New England IPA, called aptly enough, Samuel Adams New England IPA. Having grown up in New England myself, there are a lot of breweries I associate with the area, though to most around the country (and to me as well) Samuel Adams beer is symbolic of New England. And, since New England IPA hails from New England, you jus knew Samuel Adams was going to roll one out.

The “style” probably began with Vermont’s Heady Topper. That hazy, juicy beer admonished drinkers not to decant but rather to drink straight from the can, a surefire way to get beer geeks to decant if there ever was one. At least, it worked that way for me. The beer paves the way for more hazy, juicy IPAs.

Having been a great fan of Boston Beer and Samuel Adams brews since there was a Boston Beer and Samuel Adams, my interest was piqued regarding Samuel Adams New England IPA. But first, I had to find it…..

And I did, one fine Sunday afternoon at Target. There is was, a single beautiful four-pack. And, I couldn’t buy it. I couldn’t buy it because it was 11:46 AM, and you can’t buy beer in Cherokee County before 12:30 PM on a Sunday. Which is stupid and an infliction upon the rights of beer drinkers. Anyway, they held it for me, and I went and got a coffee to kill some time until I could bring my prize home.

Sam says:

Born inside our nano brewery in Boston, Samuel Adams New England IPA is a medium-bodied, hazy brew featuring a big punch of citrus juiciness.

The slight sweetness is perfectly balanced by the pineapple and grapefruit hop character, without being overly bitter. Clocking in at 6.8% ABV and a low 35 IBUs, the unfiltered IPA provides a burst of fruited hop aroma and leaves drinkers wanting another sip. In comparison to West Coast style IPAs which have prominent hop bitterness and a light, dry mouthfeel, New England IPA’s are generally known for a juicy, luscious mouthfeel and opaque, hazy appearance - and are best enjoyed fresh.

Ingredients from the website:

HOPS VARIETIES

Galaxy, Simcoe, Mosaic, Citra, Cascade

MALT VARIETIES

Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, white wheat, golden naked oats

Samuel Adams New England IPA has an alcohol content of 6.8% by volume with 35 IBUs. I paid $9.49 for a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans at Target. My cans are stamped on the bottom as best before June 2018.

Samuel Adams New England IPA pours to a hazy orange color with a thick head of rocky foam and a zesty orange and grapefruit nose. Taking a sip, the beer has a firmer maltiness than many in the style with smooth silkiness from the oats, light pineapple and bold zesty tangerine and grapefruit citrus. It finishes herbal, slightly minty and rather bitter.

If you’re looking for an easy drinking citrus-juicy New England IPA at a fair price, look no further! Many smaller craft brewers put out beers like this at $15 to $20 a four-pack, or more. While I am all for supporting the little guy, I like to support my wallet as well. Samuel Adams New England IPA delivers what I want from a New England IPA and does it at a price that’s fair.

Update 3/10/2018: Arrived at the Taco Mac in the Prado in Sandy Springs, Georgia (140 taps!!!) early for the Secret Stash bash. Wanted one beer while we waited, and they had Samuel Adams New England IPA-on tap! Not bad at $6 for a full mug pour, it's bigger and juicer on tap than it was in the can. Loved it!

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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