Samuel Adam’s Summer Ale is an American Wheat that pitchess it’s brewing with grains of paradise and lemon zest as it’s selling point.  The beer pours an awesome orange straw color with a thick, creamy head.  As the brew is consumed a very nice white lacing is left behind.  Aroma in this beer is light, a hint of wheat, citrus and a bit of pepper.  Tasting the beer you’ll notice a substantial amount of sweet wheat, followed by a bit malt that finishes with a slightly spicy(grains of paradise?) citrus note.  A little less sweetness would help this beer balance out better.    Feel in the mouth is what you’d expect from a wheat and well carbonated, making it a good drinking beer in the heat.

For me, this is a good beer to enjoy on summer days, however others might seek a more balanced beer.  If you’re looking for a refreshing wheat beer to check out during the months of summer, give this one a look.

Appearance: B+
Smell: C
Taste: A-
Drinkability: B

Overall Grade: B

Photo courtesey of John McNally