For the first time in 23 years, Sam Adams has changed the recipe of its popular Summer Ale. The Boston beermakers have added orange, lime and lemon elements to their summer brew and released the new flavor earlier this month. (To find Sam Adams Summer Ale near you click here.)
The new citrus flavors give “more roundness” to this classic seasonal wheat ale and the lemon profile “pulls double duty by giving a taste like fresh lemon juice with an almost candied note,” according to Sam Adams. Sounds delicious!
So why the change after all these years? Sam Adams co-founder Jim Koch explains:
Just like our forefathers sought to create a “more perfect union,” we took up the challenge to brew “more perfect Summer Ale.” Why? Well, over the years we have seen our drinkers’ palates and preferences evolve – and so have ours. During the hot summer months, we’re now drawn to lighter and brighter beers, so last fall we started experimenting in our nano-brewery in Boston. After several rounds of brewing, we created a new recipe that builds on the delicious character of Summer Ale that we love while giving it a more citrusy, refreshing taste.