Feeling Rebellious

Once again, we enter the land of "Is It Really A Craft Beer". Whether or not Sam Adams is considered a craft brewery or not, I happen to think they make some mighty fine brews. I must give credit to the Sam Adams brewery for furthering my interest in good beers and shining the light on the fact that there are many other beers out there that are not fizzy, watery, lager/pilsners (not that there's anything wrong with those... OK, I take that back - there's plenty wrong with those). They helped me figure out that beer can be enjoyed for the flavor. That it's fun to pair with certain foods. You can actually drink beer because it tastes great, not merely because it aids in getting you to the dance floor.

I decided to pick up Sam Adams Rebel IPA when I overheard the guys at the beverage store talking about it. I figure they sample a lot of beers, and if they thought this one was particularly good, I should give it a try.

I'm glad I did. It is a very refreshing, yet substantial IPA. Not overly bitter. Easy to drink, but with just enough of that hoppy flavor to let you know this is an IPA. As you can see from the photo, it has a nice amber-honey color and a pretty nice head. The head was somewhat bubbly and was completely gone before I was even a third through drinking it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I like a creamier head, but you're not going to always get that with every beer.

If you're on the IPA fence, you may want to give this one a try. I know a lot of people don't like IPA's. They find them too bitter or overpowering. One of my friends is fond of saying, "I don't want my beer to taste like grapefruit". That's cool. I don't want my beer to taste watery, fizzy and flavorless - which is what many "mainstream" beers taste like to me. I guess they're both an acquired taste?

Would I buy this beer again? Yes

Hoppy To See You Rating: 3.75 | 5
Highest possible rating: 5