Seasonal Brewing by Samuel Adams

As fall approaches and lower temperatures linger on the seemingly-far horizon, many beer drinkers will switch from drinking light summer ales to heavier-bodied brews. Samuel Adams, part of the Boston Beer Company, caters to such trends by releasing five seasonal beers on a yearly basis -- Double Bock, Octoberfest, Summer Ale, White Ale, and Winter Lager. In annual production for two to five months each, seasonal varieties of Samuel Adams cost the same as those which are continuosly available; however, one is only able to obtain these brews for a limited period of time.

The first of Samuel Adams' seasonal beers is Double Bock, available from January through March. A grammatical corruption of the term Doppelbock, this bottling contains a higher-proof lager with a caramel nose, tasting of sweet yet toasted malt, and a reduced level of hops; surprisingly, the higher 8.80% ABV more noticeable in its mental effects than for any biting taste in the beer.

Also available from January through March, White Ale is malty in flavor and citrus-like in aroma. Considered to be a rather refreshing beer, it is brewed in the Witbier tradition, a style separate from other wheat beers in that Samuel Adams White Ale, as an example, uses nearly one dozen herbs, spices, and other flavorings, ranging from citrus peel and vanilla to anise and rose hips.

As spring approaches and March turns to April, the production of White Ale and Double Bock ceases, replaced by Samuel Adams Summer Ale. Golden in color, lighter in alcohol content, and bearing a pronounced aroma of lemons with light flavor, Summer Ale is as refreshing as any example of the style should be -- perfect for days spent outdoors near the grill. Pilsener fans whom have not had Summer Ale before will find themselves delighted at having tried this variety.

Available from August through November, Octoberfest is brewed in the traditional German Marzen-style. Such lagers have been brewed for centuries in Germania to keep over the summer for autumn consumption, though the brewing usage of the term "Oktoberfest" emerged with the first Munich festival to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria. Samuel Adams exemplifies the excellent standards of Marzen brews, bearing strong flavors of sweet malt complimented by some German hops bitterness -- an excellent compliment to Oktoberfest foods such as potato cakes and giant pretzels.

Finally, to close out each year, Samuel Adams begins brewing Winter Lager, the last cases of which are sold by the end of the first month of the new year. Caramel flavor is very apparent, with a touch of ginger or cinnamon giving enough spice to cover the very slightly raised alcohol content -- 5.80% ABV. Frothy, heavy, and of an amber or copper ochre, Samuel Adams Winter Lager is a beer to warm the soul on a hapless wintry day.

Though many brewing companies release limited-edition seasonal beers, few can match the excellent year-round releases of Samuel Adams. Available nearly everywhere at a very fair price, there's no reason not to try whichever brew may be currently available.