Part 1 of my parade of winter 12-packs…

As we’re being hit with our first snow and ice storm of the year, I’m embracing the winter beer drinking season with the 2013 Sam Adams Winter Favorites 12-pack. 2013 brought a new line-up to this winter seasonal mix-pack:

• Boston Lager
• Winter Lager
• Old Fezziwig Ale
• White Christmas
• Juniper IPA
• Cherry Chocolate Bock

New in 2013: Juniper IPA and Cherry Chocolate Bock
Out for 2013: Holiday Porter and Chocolate Bock

In a subtle change from the 2012 line-up, Cherry Chocolate Bock (5.8%) replaces Chocolate Bock. According to the Sam website, “For a new approach to a classic favorite, we added cherries to our traditional Chocolate Bock for a sweet, slightly tart note.  Aged on a bed of dark cocoa nibs, the malty, chocolaty, and dark fruit flavors create a rich, complex beer perfect for winter.” I love the addition of cherries to the already amazing Chocolate Bock!

In a major change from the 2012 line-up, Juniper IPA replaces Holiday Porter. I applaud the addition of a delicious hoppy IPA to this mix-pack, but I wish it wasn’t at the expense of the Holiday Porter, which may be my favorite Porter. Holiday Porter has long been a mainstay of the winter 12-pack and I’ll miss drinking it over the holidays. My advice to the Boston Beer Company? Remove the Boston Lager from the winter 12-pack and bring back Holiday Porter. I can get Boston Lager any time I want it, so I’d rather have a unique beer brewed specifically for the winter season – like Holiday Porter!

Juniper IPA is an outstanding addition to the Sam Adams line-up. Says Sam: “For this special release, we wanted to brew a flavorful winter IPA that captured the aroma of the season.  This brought us to juniper berries, which add a slightly sweet, piney character.  Complemented by citrus notes from American hops, this balanced IPA will brighten the holidays.“

Over the years, the Sam Adams winter mix-pack has consistently been my favorite 12-pack of the season, and I have a feeling 2013 will be no different!

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