Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier

Tonight's review is from a brewery everyone should be familiar with - Samuel Adams. I haven't reviewed a Sam Adams product on the blog before mainly because they're the "macro"-"micro" brewery. I'm ashamed to admit that, but it is what it is. They're kinda like that first job you get outta college... you have to go through them to learn, and once you move on, that's it. In reality though, they were one of the first big time craft brewers and have grown immensely. Unfortunately, they've paid the price from beer snobs. Well, no more I say! It's time to treat Sam with more respect! Not to mention the Patriots play in the Super Bowl on Sunday, and we're taking a trip to Boston in a couple months, which includes planning a trip to the brewery, I need to polish up on my Sam Adams repertoire.

The beer I'm drinking is from the Brewmasters Collection: Blackberry Witbier. From the bottle: "Only a specific blackberry could bring the subtle flavor that we wanted for this brew. These Marion blackberries from Oregon give a hint of blackberry in the aroma and taste and perfectly complement the refreshing and crisp flavors of the witbier. Cheers!" Basically what we're working with is a wheat beer infused with blackberries. Let's do this.

The BB pours the typical golden hue with a pretty decent head. Yeah, scent wise, you're blasted with blackberries. The first sip was kind of overwhelming, a bit cold medicine-ish. But after a few more sips, the  malt comes through and sort of calms down the berries. Interestingly enough, there is no after taste or bitterness in the end. All flavors end rather abruptly. The scent of blackberries continues throughout the drinking process, which continues to be light and crisp. Overall, this is a very drinkable beer, but one at a time as the blackberry has a solid presence throughout.

This is an alright beer. The overwhelming blackberry drowns out the rest of the drink, but without it I think it would lack any type of profile. I do recommend you try it though. As the originally craft brewery, we should continue to support their products just like we would any other craft brewery. Go America!

Oh by the way, 5.5% ABV. Get to drinkin'!

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

We've been on a Dogfish Head kick lately. Last Friday was Dogfish Head Brewery Night at World of Beer Lake Mary, where I very much enjoyed Pearl Jam Twenty Faithfull Ale, and Palo Santo Marron. Then on Saturday night I had Midas Touch. All three were very solid, unique, and tasty. I'd say the most unique was one my wife had, the Sah'tea, which is flavored with black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper. I really don't like tea, but this beer smells like tea and just when you think it would taste like it, it doesn't; which I really enjoyed. So, I wanted to keep this fish afloat through this week, so tonight I'm drinking DFH 90 Minute IPA.

Last year I had 60 Minute, which was really good, but 90 Minute is argued by some/most to be the best Imperial IPA in the world. What makes 90 Min so unique is that it's continually hopped for 90 minutes, then it is dry hopped in the "Me So Hoppy" machine. What does all this mean? Well, it's probably best to hear it from Sam Calagione himself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0lXC8m3tnA. 

Let's get to it. After pouring a light gold, the 90 fills out a nice burnt orange/red color. Very floral scent, typically of a solid IPA. Off topic for a minute, when I show people some of the stouts I drink, they see how dark in color they are, and automatically ask how thick is tastes. Most of the time though, they're pretty easy drinking (maybe except the Terrapin Wake'n'Bake). Well, this IPA actually tastes thick to me. The combination of strong hops and malt have really created a unique texture and flavor. I wish I would've had 60 Min recently so I could compare the two.

Out of all craft beers and beer styles, I feel like the IPA gives people the most trouble. If you're looking to expand your palate, this is a must. If you're a pro, I'm sure you've already had it. But if you're a beginner, start slower, but put this on your to-do list. Like all Dogfish products are must-have's, this is a must-have IPA. Period.