Sam Adams Brewlywed Ale

[gathermewool]

My wonderful fiance and her MOH, her sister, waited in line for > 3 hrs yesterday at the Sam Adams Brewery to score a case of the limited release, belgian style golden pale ale. The fruity, floral hints that I'd assoicate more with a tripel come through, but are very muted, with a fresh, albeit almost non-existent aftertaste. So, where a heavier, higher alcohol beer might have a little more flavor but a lot more mouth feel, this beer is much lighter and a lot more drinkable - it's not the most flavorable, but it tastes good and I couldn't help but want another sip as soon as I put the glass down.

Has any one else tried this?

I don't know much about which beers can be aged and why (I haven't really researched this yet,) but I would like to save at least a few bottles for future anninersaries, but an email from Sam Adams states that we should drink the beer within 6-12 months. Is this just them being cautious, do you think, or will this corked beer really go skunky if stored properly for more than a year?

Basic specs:
The 750mL bottles are $14.99 each and can be purchased in a case of 12. Only 350 cases of the beer have been brewed. ~ 8% ABV

 

[dparm]

Sounds good. I've started seeing some of their special 750mL bottles at the local liquor store. For the money they're pretty good.

 

[deven]

lol at waiting >3 hrs for this beer. I am sorry you got conned into the Sam Adams's advertising...not worth it at all IMO!!! If that was me I'd want my 3 hours plus back! Heck I'd sue them for it!

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: deven
lol at waiting >3 hrs for this beer. I am sorry you got conned into the Sam Adams's advertising...not worth it at all IMO!!! If that was me I'd want my 3 hours plus back! Heck I'd sue them for it!


Said the guy running RP in his Benzito!

Seriously, though, what an inconsiderate thing to post. They had fun, they got to see some other couples get married on the spot, and they got to play hooky from work for a bit.


Also, a con would probably be a little more widespread, and wouldn't include the owner himself there greeting every one. Gimmicky or not, I thought it was cool that she thought of spending her money to get a case of beer I'd appreciate more than she, though, like I said, just being there on a work morning was fun for her, too.

 

[dave123]

I would drink this style of beer as fresh as possible.

 

[gathermewool]

Originally Posted By: dave123
I would drink this style of beer as fresh as possible.


What makes one beer suitable for aging and not another? I know I've got some research to do. Our wedding is within the next few months, so if we can't store it we'll share it at the rehearsal dinner...or I'll just keep it all for myself!

 

[WMSmotorhead]

Sounds like an interesting brew. Sam is never short on flavors.. but in general, Sam's are best when very fresh.

in terms of beers that don't age well...

#1 Anything in a clear bottle... if it's an import, and comes in a clear bottle, opt for the can.. Trust me, I thought that Old Speckled Hen English Ale was HORRID until I got a fresher can. The light makes it die.

#2 Wheats... I am a huge wheat beer fan, but they don't hold up for more than 6 mo...

Stouts tend up to hold up best... not sure why.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: WMSmotorhead
#2 Wheats... I am a huge wheat beer fan, but they don't hold up for more than 6 mo...

Just to expand on this, most (if not all) wheat beers are unpasteurized since the process of pasteurization would have killed the yeast. Most micro-brewed beer is unpasteurized as well, hence the fairly short shelf life. 6 months is probably the limit, although opinions vary on this from as little as 90 days to as much as a full year.

 

[gathermewool]

Ah, that makes sense about the wheat beers. I'm not sure what all is in this beer, but it definitely tastes like it has some wheat in it.

It's pretty tasty, but I like a beer with a hoppier bitter flavor or with a maltier, heavier flavor. It seems as if they went for something that a bride might like; something light and slightly sweet, and with bubbles, like champagne. It's like a beer champagne, which is what my fiance said it looked like, even though I've had a few corked beers in the fridge before. My guess is that it makes talking the future wife into buying such an expensive beer a little more palatable (pun intended.)

I'll write again that this beer is enjoyable, but, for the price, there are many more beers I'd rather have a case of. None would be so unique and tame enough to be liked by most people in my bridal party, so it's perfect.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I'm not sure what all is in this beer, but it definitely tastes like it has some wheat in it.

According to Sam Adams... "A distinct and complex brew, Samuel Adams Brewlywed Ale offers layers of flavor including fruit and honeysuckle notes from the Belgian yeast, sweetness from malt and citrus character from hops."