Today's First Taste is brought to you by occasional contributor Waldie Duester.
Hallertau Imperial Pilsner
Source: Bethesda Market, Bethesda, Maryland
Brewer: Samuel Adams
Marketing BS: "Yes, we're a little obsessed with hops. Every autumn for over twenty years, [Boston Brewery founder] Jim Koch has traveled to one of the oldest hop-growing regions in the world, the Hallertau region of Bavaria in Germany, to hand-select Noble Bavarian hops, including the Hallertau Mittelfrueh variety. This special variety is considered to be one of the best in the world, prized for its unique taste and aroma. Samuel Adams® Hallertau Imperial Pilsner is a celebration of these extraordinary hops. This beer is one of the hoppiest in the world, without being overly bitter. With the first sip, you will experience an explosion of some of the world's finest hops. And we mean “explosion” in a good way. Brewed as a showcase for the hops, this bold brew highlights the spicy, citrus flavors and aromas of the Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops that are abundant in the recipe. The intense hops flavor is balanced with the slight sweetness from the malt. The brew remains pleasantly well-balanced from beginning to end, due to the quality of the hops, and continues to always be, well, "hoppy," providing hop lovers with an amazing beer drinking experience."
Translation of Marketing BS: Beer lovers will love the variety and this will make hop lovers cream [their pants - SBD].
Setting: [Waldie Duester's near octogenarian] parent’s Christmas party with 4 couples from their tennis group. Despite my luke-warm response to attending the gathering, my response was heard as an enthusiastic, “I would not miss it!!”
Setting: [Waldie Duester's near octogenarian] parent’s Christmas party with 4 couples from their tennis group. Despite my luke-warm response to attending the gathering, my response was heard as an enthusiastic, “I would not miss it!!”
Bottle: Basic Sam Adams bottle with the appropriate label [thanks for the detailed analysis - SBD]
Label: Could not really tell you because I was more interested in getting into the nectar inside.
The Cap: Not a twist off but came off with the appropriate amount of effort and gave up a welcoming, “Pssst” upon freeing it.
Alcohol Content: No clue, but it feels like 7 a lot. It may have been the surroundings but about half way through, the party did not seem so bad.
Method of Imbibation: Straight from the bottle, cold and refreshing.
First Swig: Welcomed under the circumstances for sure, but I know it would have been well received under any condition. I was first aware of the full flavor as it washed the back of my throat. The coldness of the beer was contrasted with the warming sensation of the hops slowly revealing themselves. My mouth swelled with the comprehensive flavors – hints of dark chocolate, mahogany, full-flavored nuts, hops, balanced acidity, and earth.
Competition: Beer.
Recommendation: I would have enjoyed drinking several more of these plump brews. It did have a bit more filling effect then say, a Guinness. While I started this beer during the cocktail session of the party, I took it to the table with me and it paired beautifully with the Sheppard’s pie and corn casserole.
