 jhumphries69 (656), Tyrone, Georgia, USA
Nov 2, 2007
12 oz. bottle. Pours a cloud, deep gold with hints of light orange. The foam is thick and consists of fine, small bubbles at first - but they slowly collapse into one another forming ever larger bubbles until a thin layer of off-white foam remains, consisting of medium-sized bubbles. The aroma is heavenly. It definitely reminds me of Samuel Adams Boston Lager - big German Hallertauer hop nose and what smells like the same yeast. The aroma also has other decadent layers beneath the hops: lemon meringue and poundcake with a slight lacing of ethanol. The malts provide a vinous quality to the aroma that blends nicely with the hops. The flavor is quite pleasant - the front of the tongue detects a pleasant amount of biscuity, sweet malts, balanced by a strong, but no overpowering, level of bitter hops. The carbonation zing blends with the bitterness to provide something akin to acidity - but not unpleasant (almost refreshing, in fact). The middle of the tongue picks up on the battle waged between sweet, caramel malts and spicy, noble hops. It is great while it lasts. But therein lies the strange part - it doesn’t last long. The finish is very dry and peculiarly short-lived. The beer finishes with only the faintest memories of sweet malts and big, bitter hops (some alcohol, too). The mouthfeel is excellent - perfect level of carbonation for this type of brew. It lends a nice. crisp zing to the tongue. Overall - a knockout beer. Perhaps I say that because I love hops. The only thing disappointing is the finish - it is simply too short-lived. It makes the tongue feel dry and unloved. Perhaps this is an artifact of the incredible amount of hops (supposedly 110 IBUs, and -unlike many other heavy-hitters- this bitterness level was actually *measured*, not just calculated/projected).
Bhops (274), Dallas, Texas, USA
Jul 4, 2009 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.
jcp23 (47), Duluth, Georgia, USA
Jun 28, 2009 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.
DerBiermeister (480), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Jun 21, 2009 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.
JJBeerMan (5), Burnsville, USA
does not count  Jun 17, 2009 Traditionally a huge fan of pilsners, this beer reaches a new level of exceptional quality. Light copper color is capped with an ivory head. The nose is very floral but almost a bit acidic due to the abv. The hops explode on your palate as you savor the intense creamy hop indulgence. The finish is smooth with hints of oak. Very exceptional. Caution, you can really taste the alcohol in this offering.
jungheimer (16), Brazil
Jun 12, 2009 One of a kind, the Boston Beer people has done one of the best beers of the USA, and even growing bigger and becoming a medium brewery, Sam Adam’s folks didn’t give up and stayed with the consumers.
Rciesla (2800), Exit 15W, New Jersey, USA
May 29, 2009 Bottle. Pours an amber body with an off white head. Very hoppy body with lots of grapefruit, citrus, and spicy hop pine accents. Moderate etoh warming but well masked in this hop haven. V.Nice.
WVHouseofBeer (246), Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
May 14, 2009 I never would have thought that a pilsner could have so much taste to it. Heavy hop aroma and taste; it was close to being too much. Overall, it was an excellent full flavored beer that I would definitely buy again. LC
zizzybalubba (125), Elizabeth City, North Carolina, USA
May 3, 2009 12 oz. bottle purchased from Sam’s Quik Shop (purchased October 2008; sampled May 3, 2009). Orange in color, similar to an IPA, with a thick and creamy off white head. Aroma of grass and canned tomatoes. While bitter in flavor like I had hoped there is a hint of the tomato flavor I was getting in the aroma. Still enough in the way of the hops to make this one good. Palate is nice and sticky like a good DIPA. My guess is that a different hop other than Hallertau would have been better although it probably would not have given Sam Adams what they were going for. A good beer but I long for the day’s of Dogfish Head Golden Era.
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