Samuel Adams Rocks My Face

Admittedly, I have a soft spot for Sam Adams. The company is guided by more than just the bottom line, but by morals as well as good business. They are incredibly passionate about putting out a high-quality, delicious product. And, the president of the company is a goofy dude.

All those things aside, I have recently been quite smitten with the latest from Sam Adams, as well as with the winners of the 2008 LongShot Home Brewing Contest.

The latest release from Sammy-A would be the Raspberry Witbier:  a delectable treat for the hint-of-fruit, somewhat lighter beer drinker. Highly recommend it!

The Imperial Series this year are also amazing; although I have yet to try the Double Bock. This makes me sad. The Imperial Stout, an unbelievable brew, actually looks like melted chocolate, except less thick. The higher alcohol content gives it a bold taste, but a smooth, well-balanced one that does not disappoint. The higher alcohol content also means you're only getting four beers instead of six and that you only need two (one on a partially empty stomach) to feel groovy.

The Imperial White, while also delicious, is my lesser favorite of the two. Lighter in color, to me it seems a little unbalanced due to the 10.3% ABV, which gives it a strong punch. However, it is still a delectable delight to imbibe as the day turns to night and the cares and worries fade with the sunlight. Just watch out for the high ABV. It'll sneak up on ya.

Finally, the LongShots this year are spectacular. They all are very bold beers. However, the Double IPA easily take the cake in terms of flavor. Brewed with seven different kinds of American hops, somehow this beer isn't completely out of whack. It is definitely a sipping beer that becomes more drinkable as it warms (to a certain extent). While one may not find the taste all that enjoyable because of its strength, the aroma from this beer is heavenly. Also, watch out for the covertly high ABV. Two of these just might get you a little sauced.

The LongShot Traditional Bock is less forward in its flavor, and for that reason, more drinkable. Of the three, I'd have to say that I like it the least, but it's still a great beer. The hops are not as prevalent as the Double IPA, and as such the aroma is not as flowery, but it is still a tasty beer that I recommend. 

The final LongShot is the Cranberry Wit. This beer is less fruity and more bold than the Blackberry Witbier brewed by Sam Adams, and the aroma from this beer doesn't make it blatantly obvious that is even a fruity beer. This isn't a bad thing. Some beers brewed with fruit have a tendency to be too sweet and can wear out a drinker, but this is well-balanced between the sweet taste of the Cranberry and the bold flavor of the beer. 

With that being said, go get the LongShots for this year. They're yummy.