Samuel Adams – Escape Route & Double Bock – A First Sampling

I brought you a peek at the packaging for Samuel Adams Escape Route back in Sept, so I was really excited to get an early chance to sample this beer.  And as if that wasn’t enough fun, Samuel Adams was also kind enough to send along their 2014 Double Bock as well.  So lets get to sampling…

While the weather outside has been pretty frightful this week, I was ready to welcome spring with the new Samuel Adams Escape Route limited spring seasonal.  This beer is Samuel Adams’ take on the non-tradition Kolsch style of beer that uses top-fermenting yeast but is then cold-conditioned like a lager.  The beer pours slightly hazy, and he aromas are an interesting combination of floral, bready with even a touch of honey.

This beer bridges the gap between the cold winter season and the upcoming spring, so it was a perfect night to test it.  Escape Route has subtle fruit flavors with a bright, crisp almost dry finish.  Escape Route uses Alsatian Strisselspalt in the malt bill and Aramis hops, both contributing to the light mouthfeel and clean finish…and at  an easy drinking 5% ABV, you’ll be able to have more than one.

Look for Escape Route to be hitting shelves as we speak in six packs, and as part of the Samuel Adams Spring Brews Variety 12-Pack.  Try it for yourself and let me know what you think.

Up next we couldn’t resist opening another beer perfect for these late winter days….Samuel Adams Double Bock.  This beer was originally a Spring Seasonal for Sam back in 1988 and also one of the first “big beers” coming from Samuel Adams.  Double Bock uses 2-row malt, Caramel 60 malt as well as Tettnang Tettnanger & Hallertau Mittelfrueh noble hops and yes this beer has over a half a pound of malt per bottle!

Double Bock pours copper colored with a rich appearance, the nose is decidedly malty with some notes of piney-hops.  This beer is complex, especially as it warms, and I tasted notes of toffee, caramel and prunes with some surprising flavors of fruit.  The finish is sticky and also loaded with toffee and graham crackers.  At 9.5% ABV, this is one to share with a friend so find a friend and pick up a bottle for yourself.  Double Bock will be available in 22oz bottles in Feb for a limited time, so don’t delay.

I’m happy to say that Samuel Adams has come up with not one, but two beers that are perfect to help you make the transition from later winter to early spring.  Be sure to check these beers out and let me know what you think.
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