On Sam Adams Verloren

Rare beer styles are a bit of an obsession for me. Long before any American breweries were making Berliner weisse, I was making my own home brewed versions and buying the one lonely German import stocked by my local craft beer store. Since then, rare, traditional beer styles have become a point of pride for many brewers.

Much like the revival of classic cocktail bitters, sophisticated beer drinkers are demanding nearly forgotten styles. Among them sahti, faro, wheatwine, and gose. Many of these beers are an offshoot of the Belgian sour craze and have been interpreted by their new caretakers (I've seen wheatwines flavored with everything imaginable, including chocolate, burbon, and lemongrass). Sam Adams Verloren is no exception. Losing it's characteristic long-neck bottle, this light take on a classic sour has been reinterpreted for it's large audience.

A traditional gose bottle.

Out of a standard bomber, Verloren pours a cloudy gold color with a moderate white head that recedes quickly. lingering foam drifts across an amber sea.

Aroma shows savory coriander and a light citrusy sour character. Some light lime citrus in the background.

On the tongue a smooth, bready malt character is backed up by citrusy sourness. The lingering flavor is vaguely reminiscent of fruit loops.

With a moderately light body and prickly carbonation, this is dangerously easy to drink.

Try to take your time and enjoy the subtleties of this unique beer.