Brewing the American Dream

Last week Samuel Adams announced two new collaborative beers created with the recipients of the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and Experienceship program.

The Brewing the American Dream program, started in 2008, has provided more than $2 million dollars in loans to 235 small businesses nationwide, coached 3,000 plus small business owners, and created or saved nearly 1,400 jobs.  These microloans range anywhere from $500 to $25,000 with recipients typically in food, beverage, or hospitality.  

Jim Koch touched on the topic at the Boston Beer Shareholders either this month.  Out of all of the money loaned, more than 97.7% (which is incredible) was successfully repaid paving the way for more craft brewers and start-ups to take advantage of the program.

This successful program was expanded in 2012 to include a business "Experienceship" program where a craft brewer is mentored and coached directly by the Samuel Adams brewers and staff.  

The Experienceship ends with a collaborative brew between the award winners and Samuel Adams.

This year's collaborations and winners are Boston Tea Party Saison, brewed with San Francisco-based MateVeza, and ThreeNinety Bock, brewed with Rochester, New York's Roc Brewing Co.

The Tea Party Saison is a blend of yerba mate tea and Samuel Adams' Kosmic Mother Funk (KMF).  It has a really pleasing medium-bodied  mouthful and a great spicy undertone.  I've been looking for saisons lately, so this was a real treat.

ThreeNinety Bock is a Maibock.  Full on malt and something I always love, a subtle hint of smoke.  I'm a sucker for smokey beers.

Both beers were great and can be found locally in their home states, as well as the Boston Brewery tour center.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 round.  Winners will be announced this fall at the Great American Beer Festival.

Next time you grab a Sam Adams, realize you are giving just as much as you are getting.