Samuel Adams Imperial Pilsner

Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner pours a hazy orange with a fluffy cream head, well-laced. Resinous hops...so different than the taste of American IIPAs and such in terms of hop flavor...maybe I’m used to be ambushed by cascade hops in most ’strong, hoppy’ beers. Spicy, strawberry, mango, not what I’m used to. I have so much respect for Jim and the beers he makes.

Orange copper in color with decent lacing. Nose of fresh hops, bushes, shrubbery, but not vegetal. Plant like and pleasnt. Very fresh. Hops have faded a touch since I last had it. Still they provided the intense hop experience I was craving. Just a touch of alcohol pokes. Very well put together beer. Amazing that it’s basically a year old.

12oz bottle into a pint glass. Good, not awesome. This is a style that gets kind of muddled when imperialized. Big malt taste with a fair amount of hops. Too sweet and the hops come across as bitter plants.

Bottle, 355ml - Semi hazy firey amber beer with a small head. Aroma is malty sweet with notes of caramel and hops. Flavor is sweet with dominant notes of grassy hops and caramel. Some notes of alcohol. Nice but very dry and bitter.

12 fl oz bottle. Pours hazy orange with a small off-white head. Aroms is mild citrusy and crisp grassy. Bitter and fruity hops flavour. Subdued malt flavour. Bitter and slight grassy flavoured finish.

Pours clear amber with thick head. Nice hop aroma with some malty sweetness. Nicely balanced flavor, with some alcohol. Creamy and thick. Very surprised by this beer.

Bottle into snifter. Intensely rich, resinous, floral hop nose. Solid hazy perfect glowing golden orange colour with thick off-white head. Lots of splattered lacing on the glass. Flavor is full, rich, citrusy, resiny Hallertaus. These hops deliver a huge punch, while also displaying a smooth, mellow character that coats the tongue in heavenly hoppiness. The huge hoppinesss is supported by a perfectly balanced sweet, sumptuous caramel malt that blends and flows beautifully together. A rich, palate filling symphony of lusciousness. I can’t say enough about this beer. I love it. Absolutely one of my all-time favorites. Best beer I’ve had from Sam Adams(come on Utopias!) I call SAIP "Beer Nirvana". Please make more. Soon.

Smells strongly of hops. Pours cloudily with minimal head. Flavor is bitter, with strong hops, hint of caramel and wheat. It is sweet while bitter, but not overly so. Lightly citrusy. Overall impression favourable.