Sam Adams 76: An Ipa Beer?

Sam Adams '76 is a beer that combines the characteristics of both lager and ale. It is described as having a tropical aroma and a full, tropical flavour akin to an IPA, but with a crisp, clean, and bitterless finish like a lager. The result is a unique hybrid that delivers the best of both worlds, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking choice for any occasion.

Sam '76 is a blend of lager and ale

The creation of Sam '76 involves a complex process that starts with two separate fermentation vessels, one containing lager yeast and the other with ale yeast. This initial step sets the foundation for the distinct characteristics of the final product. The two fermentations are then combined, allowing them to co-ferment together, creating a harmonious blend. Additionally, dry hopping is added to the active co-fermentation, further enhancing the complexity of flavours.

The beer has a pale straw-golden hue with a slight haze and a sturdy white head. The aroma is a delightful interplay of light citrus, including sweet orange and lemon, complemented by subtle notes of stone fruit, such as mango and peach, and a hint of floral scents. The mouthfeel is smooth and rounded, yet light and breezy, providing a satisfying sensation on the palate.

On the palate, Sam '76 delivers a well-balanced mix of flavours. The malt takes centre stage initially, offering a sweet grainy-dough taste with hints of lightly-bread flavours. The hops then make their presence known with a light citrus touch and a subtle stone fruit character. The bitterness is kept in check, resulting in a crisp and clean finish. The aftertaste lingers with a low astringency, accompanied by hints of graininess and light fruitiness.

Sam '76 is an excellent choice for any social gathering or event where you're looking to enjoy a few beers. Its low ABV makes it perfect for a session, and its unique blend of flavours, cleanliness, body, and crispness keep it interesting. Even your friends who usually prefer macro beers might find themselves enjoying this craft beer. So, whether you're watching the game with your pals or spending a day on the boat, Sam '76 is a refreshing and reliable choice.

It has a low ABV of 4.6-4.7%

Sam '76 is a unique beer with a low ABV of 4.6-4.7%, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing drink. Its low alcohol content positions it as an "everyday drinker", ideal for those who want to enjoy more than one or two beers without worrying about a high ABV.

The beer is crafted with a blend of lager and ale yeast, resulting in a hybrid beverage. This innovative combination is achieved through a separate fermentation process for each type of yeast, which are then combined and dry-hopped to create a unique flavour profile. The result is a beer that offers the best of both worlds, combining the crispness and drinkability of a lager with the fruity and floral notes of an ale.

The low ABV of Sam '76 contributes to its appeal as a refreshing and easy-drinking beer. With its light and smooth mouthfeel, it's the perfect choice for a warm summer day or a casual get-together with friends. The low alcohol content also makes it a versatile option, pairing well with various foods, from pigs in a blanket to burgers and cheese.

While the beer has a low ABV, it doesn't compromise on flavour. The addition of American Cascade, Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops gives it a tropical aroma and a hint of bitterness. The unique fermentation process further enhances the flavour profile, resulting in a well-rounded and intriguing beer.

Sam '76 is an excellent choice for those seeking a refreshing and flavourful beer without the high alcohol content. Its low ABV makes it accessible and enjoyable, perfect for any occasion, whether you're watching the game or simply relaxing with friends. So if you're looking for a beer that's both intriguing and easy-drinking, Sam '76 is an excellent option to consider.

It is a session beer

Sam Adams '76 is a session beer. It is a hybrid of ale and lager, with a unique combination of fermentation processes and ingredients that sets it apart from other beers in the session category. The brewers at Samuel Adams experimented with different techniques and flavours to create a beer that offers the best of both lager and ale.

The beer combines the crispness and drinkability of a lager with the fruity, hoppy characteristics of an ale. It has a low bitterness level, making it an easy-drinking and refreshing choice. With an ABV of 4.6% to 4.7%, it is perfect for occasions when you want to enjoy a few beers without getting too intoxicated.

The brewing process for Sam '76 is quite intricate. The brewers start with two separate fermentations, one for the base lager and the other for the ale, each using its own yeast strain. These base beers are then combined for a final maturation process, resulting in a "tag-team fermentation." The hybrid is then dry-hopped during late fermentation to add those fruity, hoppy notes.

The key to the unique flavour of Sam '76 lies in the use of multiple yeast strains and the dry-hopping process. The different yeast strains interact differently with the high essential oil content of the hops, creating a variety of flavours. By dry-hopping at the right time and temperature, the yeast pulls out novel, interesting aromas from the hops, emphasising the non-bitter, juicy, and fruity aspects.

The result is a beer that pours an orange-golden colour with a bright white head. The aroma is citrusy, with hints of sweet orange and lemon zest, along with subtle notes of mango and peach. The taste begins with the properties of an ale, followed by the rich flavours and aftertaste of a lager. It has a smooth, crisp, and clean finish, with a low bitterness level that makes it highly drinkable.

Sam Adams '76 is a versatile beer that pairs well with various foods, including grilled meats, seafood, spicy dishes, and pizza. It is perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a day hike, camping, or just relaxing in the park.

It has a tropical aroma

Sam '76 is a unique beer that combines the best of both lager and ale. The result is a drink that has the appearance and crispness of a lager, but with the floral and fruity aromas and flavours of an IPA.

The addition of American Cascade, Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic hops gives Sam '76 a tropical aroma. The scent is mild, with grassy hops and pale malt coming through. The hops also contribute to the flavour, with notes of lemon, herbs, orange, and stone fruit. The bitterness is low, but the hops are present throughout the drinking experience, showcasing their flavour more than their bittering.

The tropical aroma of Sam '76 is a pleasant surprise, especially for those who are used to the traditional Samuel Adams Boston Lager. The lager yeast in the product gives it a smooth creaminess and a crisp finish, while the ale fermentation allows for the development of nice fruity esters. The combination of lager and ale elements makes Sam '76 a well-rounded and refreshing drink, perfect for any occasion.

The tropical notes in Sam '76 are a delightful feature that adds to the complexity and drinkability of the beer. The aroma and flavour of the hops are perfectly balanced, creating a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. The tropical character of Sam '76 sets it apart from other beers and makes it a great choice for those looking for something new and exciting.

It is produced by the Boston Beer Company

The Boston Beer Company is an American brewery founded in 1984 by James "Jim" Koch and Rhonda Kallman. The company's first brand of beer was named Samuel Adams after Founding Father Samuel Adams, an American revolutionary patriot. The initial beer offering was Samuel Adams Boston Lager, a 4.8% ABV amber or Vienna lager.

The company takes its beer seriously but not itself, and is always pushing boundaries in pursuit of crafting the perfect beer. The Boston Beer Company is the fourth-largest brewer in the United States, with products available throughout the country and internationally.

The company has a number of brands and products, including ciders, malt beverages, and hard seltzers. In 2019, it completed a merger with Dogfish Head Brewery, and in 2020, it invested $85 million in its Cincinnati plant to increase production capacity.

Sam '76 is one of the company's newer offerings, released in early 2018. It is a hybrid between a lager and an ale, with a unique fermentation process that combines lager and ale yeast strains. The result is a beer that has the crispness and drinkability of a lager but with the floral and tropical aromas and flavours of an IPA.

The Boston Beer Company continues to innovate and experiment with new beers, always striving to create the best beer possible.

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