Test Driving Samuel Adams NEW Rebel IPA Samples

As a devoted lover of all things hop, I’ll admit that when I first posted up information about Samuel Adams Rebel IPA, I was anxious to try it for myself.  Samuel Adams Rebel IPA started life at the Samuel Adams nano-Brewery on their 10-gallon pilot system, and quickly became a popular enough brew to hit the big time.  It was very cool to get home and find a care package from Samuel Adams nano-brewer Seth Adams (clearly destined from birth to brew @ Samuel Adams) containing some pre-release samples of Rebel IPA.

Rebel IPA is a decidedly west coast-style IPA that uses five of my absolute favorite hop varieties.  I love IPA’s that are citrusy and grapefruit-y, so when I found out from Seth that Rebel IPA uses Cascade, Simcoe, Centennial, Chinook and Amarillo hops, I knew Samuel Adams had a winner in my ‘fridge.

Created and named to honor rebellious Americans like Samuel Adams himself and craft-beer-rebels like Jim Koch, this beer is the perfect example of what impact a nano-brewery & rebellious spirit can have on a brewery the size of Samuel Adams.

So how does Samuel Adams Rebel IPA taste?  Quite simply, it’s great.  Rebel IPA pours clear with a reddish-copper color and a pretty white head.  This beer really embodies the spirit of a west-coast IPA and it’s loaded with citrusy, fruity and grapefruit-y aroma.  The flavor greets you with the same fresh citrus flavor, followed by a resinous  & dank middle and a clean drinkable finish.  Rebel IPA is only 45 IBU and 6.5% ABV, so it tastes and feels very drinkable.  Take the time to smell the great aroma of this beer.  It’s a wonderful hop blend that really presents itself in the nose so be sure to take note while you’re sipping.

The photo above shows the samples Seth and our pal Jim Koch were nice enough to send, and below you can see some of the actual packaging.  Rebel IPA will be available on draft in limited areas, on draft nationwide in January with bottles, 6-packs & 12-packs to follow in Feb.  As you can see below, there also appears to be a can packaging coming in the future as well.

If you’re lucky enough to have this in your market, be sure to try it.  If not be sure to make note and watch for Samuel Adams Rebel IPA in 2014.