Samuel Adams Winter Lager

Winter Lager is another perennial favorite in the Winter Classics variety pack. I've never noticed before that they're calling it a "wheat bock". Bocks of course are a subcategory of lager, which don't seem to be restricted to  Spring any longer. The spices are the same as in Old Fezziwig: cinnamon, ginger and orange peel, however they seem to come on a bit stronger here. I'm not detecting anything that would tip one off to the wheat, but the maltiness does suggest a bock rather than a plain lager. In addition to the named spices, there is also a hint of licorice and caramel. Like many Sam Adams offerings,  the Winter Lager is not trying to be anything fancy, just a simple beer-lover's winter warmer. Try it with roast turkey, or a hearty beef stew, perhaps even some gingerbread or pumpkin pie.

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

Old Fezziwig Ale is a long-time standby in the Winter Classics variety pack, the base is brown ale with ginger, orange peel and cinnamon added to give it that holiday zip. Unlike many holiday ales and winter warmers, the spices all blend together seamlessly in contrast to those beers that, like a hoppy drama queen, all clamor for attention - me! me! taste me! Old Fezziwig is a perfect companion for roast turkey (or other fowl) and apple pie! For some reason they don't sell this as part of a six- or twelve-pack, they'd likely sell a few if they did.

Samuel Adams Amber Bock

Bocks traditionally have been Spring beers, the first brew after a long Winter...do a search for "Bock" on this blog and you'll get more information. Despite the seasonal dissonance, I have no problem including Amber Bock in the Winter Classics variety pack. At 25 IBUs, it's just hoppy enough, but hoppy isn't really what a bock does. The color is a light...well...amber, with a thin white head. The main impression is a malty sweetness with caramel and toffee notes, but not overwhelmingly so; I am definitely on board with a beer being beer without any distractions. Food pairings include bratwurst, Cajun chicken, or even lamb curry. Pepperoni would not be out of place. I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest pumpkin cheesecake as well.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

Sometimes, when reviewing and checking out craft beers, the standards get overlooked. Why drink some ol' lager when you can have a Elderberry Sour IPA Stout Pumpkin Kölsch? But the basic lagers and amber ales are worth our time as well. Sam Adams' variety packs always include a couple of bottles of Boston Lager, so I'm starting off the reviews with the same.

Although they don't promote it as such, the style is definitely what's referred to as a Vienna Lager. The Vienna style originated in that Austrian city, but you'll find many examples among Mexican beers such as Negra Modelo and Dos Equis. Sam Adams Boston Lager, is a great example of the style. Pouring a light amber with a short off-white head, the overall effect is a mild malty sweetness, rather than the crisp cleanness of a Pilsner. The hoppiness is subdued at 30 IBUs, and there is a caramel aroma mixed with a breadiness that makes this more complex than most lagers. This is a great year-round beer and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods like burgers, fried chicken or even bruschetta. An IGB favorite.

Sam Adams Winter Classics Variety 12 Pack 2017

This year's Winter Classics Variety 12 Pack consists of Boston Lager, Winter Lager, Old Fezzig, Chocolate Bock, Oatmeal Stout and Amber Bock. Some of the them Ill-Gotten Booty has reviewed in the past, but there'll be all new reviews this year. Sam Adams' variety 12 packs were some of the first craft beers that I sampled, they introduced me to the spectrum of beer styles that are out there. First one later today!

Double Down Gose IPA by Fort Collins Brewery

This is a fusion of two styles: India Pale Ale (yes, yes, everything is an IPA these days) and a Gose. The Gose style (pronounced Gō-sah) originated in Goslar Germany, but was also popular in Leipzig. It's made with 50% wheat, and has salt and coriander added. It's moderately sour.
Double Down is light and refreshing, pouring a golden hue with a thin white head. You can definitely taste the salt and coriander, with lemon peel notes. I'm not sure why it's an IPA, I'm not detecting much hoppiness. I just read that Fort Collins Brewery sold out & will be closing its doors, so you'll likely not see this beer around for much longer.

Goose Island Oatmeal Stout

I've had Goose island's oatmeal stout before, but I apparently never reviewed it. Well, they've included it in this employee pack and I'm reviewing it today. (The old label appears below with the snifter glass).



As with most oatmeal stouts, Goose Island's is heavy & creamy, pouring midnight black with a tall tan head. They're not doing anything fancy, just rolling out a great representative of the style. There's the usual suspects: coffee & chocolate notes, along with some roasted grains and medium hoppiness. There's also an unexpected sweetness that is imparting a maple aroma as the beer warms up. Pretty solid, should hold up well during the upcoming cold months.