An impressive number of reviews for a beer that’s only been out for a couple of months. I suppose that reflects both the distribution of Sam Adams and the relative power of BBC’s advertising reach – they really are a macro, micro!
I actually bought this 22 oz bomber on the road in OH. It’s been here in GA for a few months now but I’ve only seen it here as a 12 pack, then again I’ve not really been looking for it.
Pour is pretty much as expected with good clarity but the color is really VERY light almost to the point of being watery in appearance. I was surprised at the lack of real color. Wispy, eggshell white, delicate head with some nice lace.
Nose is a little bit corny, a little sweet and slightly vegetal. I might even say “macro” like! Not distinctive and somewhat unimpressive. Lacks hop character.
Tastes are fine, but lack a real Saaz BITE in the finish that I’m usually looking for in my Pilsners. There are some competing hop notes with a touch of grapefruit, a touch of metallic coinage and some fresh green notes, BUT it seems a little muddled. When I say muddled, I don’t mean in a “messy”, unpleasant way, rather it seems that the competing hops seem to add up to somewhat less than they should. It doesn’t quite come together for me and I think that simplicity would have been better.
I’m not sure that the beer has benefited from the over complication of hops – too clever? Unimpressive to me with a very watery character and some serious lack of depth. Disappointing.