The Dirt
The Alpine Spring was Sam Adam's spring seasonal this year and invoked memories of the old While Ale that used to occupy this seasonal slot (oh how I miss you White Ale). The Alpine is an unfiltered lager that is like a pale ale meets unfiltered wheat. It is similar to the Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat in some respects, but without the sweetness and the hops are a bit more pronounced. It is very refreshing but full of flavor being unfiltered. One can taste a hint of orange rinds as the citrus aspect of the beer, though some spices such as coriander could have been a nice addition. The unfiltered nature does make this beer a bit heavier than most spring beers, but is still a medium-bodied brew that goes down easy.
Overall, a very smooth and balanced beer that is quite delicious. Although it's not the White Ale, it's probably the closest thing Sam Adams is going to make, and it's darn good. NOTE: Be sure to leave a little bit of beer at the bottom of the bottle to swirl before finishing the pour, as there's some extra goodness at the bottom to make the beer even better.
Worth it?
Definitely a good spring beer, or even a summer beer for that matter. I had it as part of a mix pack, but could certainly see myself buying a sixer or grabbing a pint when out on the town.
The Final Word
