Sam Adams Stony Brook Red

Sam Adams is the biggest craft beer company in the US. Even people who aren't into beer know about their beer. They have found a formula they can produce on a mass scale that has lots of appeal without sacrificing quality. Though I personally don't care for their flagship Boston Lager (because I don't like lagers in general), they have some really great brews. I really respect that even though they could easily just ride the profits of their big releases, they still venture out and create some smaller batch stuff. Stony Brook Red is part of their Barrel Room Collection, and it is brews like this that show the brewers at Sam Adams still have a passion for brewing and pushing the envelope of beer and style.

Stony Brook Red pours a brownish red with an off white head. The nose is quite sour, with some tart cherry/ cranberry notes and definite hints of champagne. Already I was a bit taken aback. I will admit I was not sure what to expect with this one when I bough it, but I kind of expected something along the lines of a Belgian or maybe a strong red ale. This nose suggested I was going to get a little something more than that. The flavor starts very tart. It has some great light cherry flavors that come through tart but not sweet. The finish is a perplexing combination of malty goodness and strong, dry champagne flavor. I will admit the first few sips through me through such a loop that it took me getting through about a third of my glass before I realized how much I really like this beer. I will keep my eyes peeled for it again for sure. I am also excited to delve into the rest of the Barrel Room Collection and see what else SA has in store for me. Cheers!