Samuel Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner
Courtesy of Archer liquors, I get to open a bottle I haven't seen since the beginning days of my tasting experiences. Can't say I had strong memories of this one +/-; can't say that this will be anything like the 1st time. But glad to give it a shot. [L] A glowy orange. Very hazy. Head is slightly darker than white but significantly lighter than tan. Just a tilt back on the glass leaves rings of sticky lacing. [S] Upon first impression, it just smells like an ordinary, citrusy ASA/DIPA. Upon further quaffing, the pilsner malt, and noble hops come through. Though I'm still not sure I dig the Imperial Pilsner label. [T] THIS is the beer Sam Adams NEEDS. This is the beer that hop heads WANT. Great DIPA qualities. The hops in this beer are amazingly intact. Front and mid body they seem to dominate the palate. Gritty pale, and caramel tastes appear. Finishes a very astringent bitter; like sucking a rind. Me likes that, though. Some dry, crackery pilsner malt wraps things up. You could definitely tell this beer is not fresh. [F] Feel is very nice. Very soft and mild, with a decent carbonation. Not extremely sweet; but very dry and bitter. [D] If this were available more often, I could see myself doing 2 in an evening. Hell; 1 lends a decent buzz @ 8%. 2 would definitely push me to move on to something more, though. I imagine a fresh one would be even more enjoyable, and tongue-numbing. Overall, this probably should be slipped back into rotation at Boston Beer. Can't really say this beer has "peaked", but if you still have one, drink now, or pass it on. Not even sure why Archer hung onto it for so long. It's collecting nothing but novelty and dust. Enjoy!