Summer is Coming…Samuel Adams told me so

It may only be late April, but that doesn't mean I can't imagine it's summer.  Thankfully, some warm sun and the Samuel Adams Beers of Summer Variety pack helps me along.

This summer's set features not only the stalwart, Summer Ale, but two new styles: Blueberry Hill Lager and Little White Rye.  

Zoë immediately glommed on to Blueberry Hill.  I'm usually not one for beer made with fruit, but Blueberry Hill was just subtle enough to suit my fancy.

Although I'm always excited to try something new, Summer Ale holds a special place in my heart.  Yeah, a lot of beer folk groan that it's only mid-spring and summer beers are already hitting the shelves.  Whatever.  I really don't care.  Summer isn't just a time of year, it's a state of mind and frankly, I didn't hear anyone complaining when all of the rich malty holiday beers hit the shelves way before Thanksgiving.  For me, this time of year is like welcoming back and old friend.  Hello, Summer Ale.  I've missed you.

Before I go, I would be remiss in not mentioning the tragedy in Boston from just a few days ago.  Boston is a beautiful and historic city steeped in culture.  Part of the culture is beer and part of beer is Samuel Adams.  In 2012, Samuel Adams was the official beer sponsor of the Boston Marathon and celebrated by brewing a special commemorative beer: the Samuel Adams Boston 26.2 Beer.  The tradition and beer continued into 2013.

Jim Koch announced today that Samuel Adams is donating all profits of the 26.2 Beer, as well as donations at the Boston Brewery, to the Greg Hill Foundation.  These proceeds will immediately start helping those victims and families impacted by the devastating events on Monday.

We all play to our strengths and that is what Boston Beer is doing tonight.  Cheers, my friends, a speedy recovery.  Stay safe.

Note: Samuel Adams provided me with a sample of the new beers in the Beers of Summer Variety Pack.  Obviously, the opinions of said beers are my own.  Which is good.  It goes without saying I'm fairly opinionated.  I will probably pick up another pack this weekend while we stain the deck.  It's how I roll.