Summer Beers Already?

I've still got snow in my backyard, and yet I've seen many summer beers on store shelves already. Really? It's like seeing Christmas decorations on store shelves in July! I think it comes down to the fact that every brewery wants to be first, so let's look at a summer brew that's now available, Sam Adams Summer Ale.

Actually, Sam Adams Summer Ale has been one of my favorite seasonal brews for years, especially when it's really summer! If you've never tried it, here's a brief description, according to samueladams.com:

"Summer Ale

Crisp and tangy with refreshing lemon peel and a hint of pepper from rare Grains of Paradise. Golden, hazy, & thirst quenching, this American wheat ale balances bright citrus, Noble hops & spice for a lively brew that’s perfect on any summer day.

HOP VARIETIES

Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Saaz Noble hops

MALT VARIETIES

Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, and malted wheat

YEAST STRAIN

Top-fermenting Ale

COLOR

Golden, veiled, SRM: 6

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS

Lemon peel, Grains of Paradise

ALC. BY VOL/WT

5.3% ABV - 4.2% ABW

IBUs 7

CAL PER SERVING 166

AVAILABILITY

Seasonal (March - July)"