Sam Adams, Craft Brewer

By now, you should have heard that the Brewers Association has changed their definition of "craft brewer", by increasing the maximum barrels produced from 2 million barrels per year, to 6 million.  This change directly influences Boston Brewing Company, in the next few years, they will surpass the 2 million barrel mark.

To me, it really doesn't mean that much.  I want good beer to be produced as much as they can, and it is just a status.  What I think it does mean, is that there is a respect for Boston Brewing Company, and what it has done for the craft brewing industry.  Sure, Sam Calagione and his Brew Masters television show has forced his way onto mainstream cable tv- I have had many friends call me about the show- but it is DogFish Head centered.  Sam Adams beers are continually being drank by macro swillers, even my father-in-law drinks Boston Lager, it took me forever to convince him that it was a craft beer.

I would feel confident that Sam Adams is the number one brewery gateway beer that leads macro drinkers to the craft world.  I have been fortune to see it happen with not only my father-in-law, but also many of my friends.

So, hear is to you Boston Beer Company, for all that you do.  May you continue to be a craft brewer the rest of your days (may they be many).

And if you would like to read the news release that was sent out by the Brewers Association, it can be found here.

Yesterday, and every Wednesday

On most Wednesdays, I head to Max's on Broadway after work for the pint night. Many nights they have a good beer, and you keep their pint glass (I have over 60 pint glasses). Last night was a nice night.

The pint of the week was the Sam Adams White Ale. I am not a huge fan of Sam Adams, but I enjoyed the White Ale very much. Probably my favorite of all the beers that I have tried from them. (I have had the Utopias, I was not thrilled.) But the white ale came out good. Also, they gave us the "lager" glass that they spent money on developing. Happy to have it and not pay $10 for it.









While there I was able to sample a few other beers. First off, I was happy to see the Sierra Nevada Harvest (Chico, CA) on tap. I was looking forward to trying this "wet hop" beer. The hops were sent directly from harvesting to the brewery, ensuring the freshest hops were used. (Hence they were still wet.) Delicious fresh taste. Not over hopped. Definately came from the same recipe as their Pale Ale, the Harvest had more of a flowery taste to it. I will be having more.











Finally, I had an Aprilhop from the Dogfish Head Brewery (Dover, DE). It was hard to get past the nose, as the scent was not the most appealing for me, but the brew tasted delicious. If needed, I would drink more, but would rather a 60 or 90 minute IPA.

What has anyone else have?