What I'm Drinking

One of my favorite parts about Autumn is the beginning Fall beer season. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the light and refreshing summer ales, but when that cold weather comes around, there is nothing better than a nice hearty stout or porter. They seem to warm you from the inside out.

A nice transitional beer is the one shown above, Samuel Adams Imperial Pilsner. This is probably one of my top five favorite beers. It only comes out this time of year around here, I'm not sure about it's availability elsewhere, so I only get to enjoy it for a short time. My wife just brought me home some last week, so I've been savoring it a little at a time...and for $2.50/bottle, I have to stretch it out.

As it says on the box, it does have an "Intense hop flavor." I've had IPAs that were no doubt stronger in bitter character, but for this style, it definitely fits the bill for a hop-head like me. It also uses my particular favorite variety of hop, hallertau. Everything about this beer is nice, it's pour, it's aroma, color, head retention. I can't find much about it like I don't like. And it's just over 8% alcohol, so like I said, it'll prepare you for those big winter beers coming up.

Autumn is officially upon us. If you're not ready to give up your summer beer, that's fine, but if you need something to ease you in, go down to your bottle shop and pick up a couple of these. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it in my opinion. They are just the thing needed to kick off Fall beer season.