Samuel Adams Imperial White
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(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Imperial! Imperial White! Samuel Adams Imperial Series!
“Enough with the shouting,” I thought, “Let’s see what this beer actually tastes like.”
I’ve heard great things about the Imperial White from Sam Adams. But after having the seasonal Samuel Adams White Ale yesterday, I wasn’t expecting much from this new year-round Imperial version.
But it delivered. And how!
The beer poured much darker than the regular White Ale — the Imperial White was a coppery amber, while the regular White Ale was a straw-like gold color. And while both beers were quite hazy, the Imperial White was much more visually appealing, lacking the tiny, scattered suspensions that were so present in its little brother.
What an aroma! The Imperial White’s smell is full of juicy, sweet fruit with just a hint of coriander. There’s a profile of fruity, Belgian-style yeast combined with lots of alcohol. If the color was my first indication that something new was afoot, the aroma removed all doubt.
Sweet grapes, sugar, and raisins exploded like a muscat wine on my tongue with the first sip. There’s that hint of spice again, but the sweet malt is dominant. This has a full and honeyed mouthfeel, moving thickly through the mouth and leaving a brown sugar and warm alcohol aftertaste.
I actually find it hard to compare the Imperial White with the seasonal White Ale. The Imperial White clocks in at a hefty 10.3% ABV, nearly double the alcohol in the regular White. And there is so much more fruit in the Imperial’s aroma and taste!
Even the Samuel Adams brewery admits it’s hard to compare these two beers. Of the Imperial White, they write:
This is not just a more intense version of our spring seasonal Samuel Adams® White Ale. Imperial White is a new recipe that stands on it own merits. In fact, it is more of a wine substitute than just another refreshing witbier. This is a beer that should be sipped and savored and you’ll be amazed at the flavors you’ll discover as the beer warms and opens up.
This is one tasty, delicious beer. It’s sweet, but no more so than many yeasty Belgian-style beers. I would definitely order this the next time I can. In fact, I’m craving another one already.
Hats off to Samuel Adams for going big! I’m really pleased with the experimentation coming out of Sam Adams (Imperial Series) and Harpoon (Leviathan Series), two area breweries that are pushing the envelope.
Keep it up!
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2 Comments
April 20th, 2009 at 8:08 am
My sentiments exactly about the two beers. The White is decent, but not one I’m likely to reach for again if there are alternatives–like the Imperial White, which is a real accomplishment.
I am becoming increasingly irked by the “Imperial” designation for beers that basically ramp up from other styles. There was a reason Imperial Stout was called that–it was brewed for the Imperial court of Russia. Harpoon is on a better track with the Leviathan designation–we know we’re getting a bigger beer, without the needlessly royal trappings.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Beer caps are all the crown you need — but yes, I do like calling a beer a Leviathan more than calling it an Imperial.