Review: Samuel Adams Belgian Session

This year's Samuel Adams Summer Styles variety 12-pack is already out (don't get me started), and it contains a real gem: a new light Belgian pale ale called Samuel Adams Belgian Session.

Now, let's not get all worked up over what constitutes a session beer. Some people get their knickers in a twist over the term. Some folks say a session beer is one whose alcohol content is lower than 4.5 or 5 percent (Sam says 5); others insist it has to be below 4 percent (in which case pretty much nothing would be a session beer). Of course, using Sam Adams's definition, several of its offerings would be considered session beers, including Boston Lager, Black Lager, Cream Stout, and Noble Pils. The general idea is that the alcohol content is low enough that you can put back a few of them in a drinking session without getting drunk.

Sam Adams Belgian Session is low enough -- 4.3 percent alcohol -- but it doesn't scrimp on taste. Light amber with a creamy head, the beer has a pleasing aroma with notes of bananas and bubblegum. It's a clean Belgian pale -- light and smooth yet flavorful, with a hint of peach, and it finishes slightly spicy. It goes down fast, and you quickly want another -- which is the whole point of a session ale. In fact, the new Belgian Session is so good I'm going to suggest this: Make it a regular part of the Sam lineup, and sell it by the six-pack.

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