Last updated on September 6th, 2012 at 11:32 am
The brewers at Boston-based Samuel Adams have crafted a new seasonal beer, Samuel Adams Alpine Spring.
To create Samuel Adams Alpine Spring, the brewers sourced a German Noble hop variety called Tettnang-Tettnanger, steadily cultivated on vines dating back 100 years in hop gardens at the foothills of the Alps. The beer is brewed using only hops from this region—approximately half a pound per barrel—which gives the beer a bright, orange-citrusy aroma, according to the company.
The beer is available nationwide through April in six packs with a SRP of $7.99.
“As brewers, we pride ourselves on developing our seasonal beers to capture the essence of each season, says founder and brewer Jim Koch. “Fall, winter and summer are distinct seasons and it’s easier to recognize beer styles that complement seasonal palates and menus. But spring has always posed a unique challenge—we’re in limbo, waiting for winter to be over and for summer to arrive. Not only is Alpine Spring a new recipe, but it’s our first unfiltered lager. I’ve visited many hop farms in Germany over the past 20 years, and I knew that the Tettnang hops would bring the right combination of bright citrusy aroma and flavor to evoke spring for our drinkers.”
Brewers’ tasting notes include:
• The brew mixes the excellence of a traditional German lager with a soft, underlying maltiness, clear notes of Noble hops and a bright yet slightly bitter finish.
• Tettnang-Tettnanger hops are valued for their elegant citrus and slightly spicy flavors, and provide notes of orange blossom honey to this beer.
• Samuel Adams Alpine Spring weighs in at 5.5 percent ABV and is bright amber in color, with a medium body and a slight unfiltered haze.
• German Pilsner malt and honey malt add a crisp and sweet malt character.
Though it’s being released for the first time this month, Samuel Adams Alpine Spring was awarded a pre-release gold medal in the Munich-Helles category at the Beverage Testing Institute’s recent World Beer Championship with an “exceptional” score of 93.
