Samuel Adams Imperial White by Boston Beer Co. $9.99-$10.99 per four-pack
Some people love Sam Adams for widening the appeal of craft beers, while others disdain it for mass marketing. Whatever side of that fence you’re on, you have to hand it to the brewer for pushing the envelope of different styles.
Imperial White is a witbier unlike any other, in that its 10.3 percent alcohol by volume pushes it into extreme-beer territory. It pours an appealing hazy orange-honey color, with a thick white head, and smells sweet, with notes of orange and coriander that typify witbier. The flavor is accessible, if a little sweet, and citrusy, with a slightly hoppy finish, and mouthfeel is creamier than usual for the style.
The high alcohol makes this a nice winter release for fans of the category who shy away from typical, guttier seasonal warmers.
Boston Beer Co., Boston;
Marcus Chamberland
