Samuel Adams is one of the beers that I think about when I look back over the emergence of craft beer in the United States. It wasn’t that many years ago that the beer “landscape” consisted of maybe a dozen different macro beers and common imports from Europe. Today, we’re blessed with hundreds upon hundreds of craft beers from around the country and around the world. Sam Adams, by comparison, now feels pretty much like a macro brew. Funny how times change.Fat Jack is described as a “Double Pumpkin Ale”. It features East Kent Goldings and Fuggles hops, with Samuel Adams two-row pale malt, rye Special B, and smoked malt. To this, they add pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
It pours a deep brown mahogany color with 2-3 finger thick, coarse tan and white head.
The aroma unquestionably malty and caramel, with a strong alcohol aroma. The flavor is extremely well balanced. Pumpkin, malt, and other elements are all present and none really seems to overwhelm the others. The pumpkin lends a creamy thickness to the beer that’s present throughout the taste. The finish is a little dry but very good.
Beer Advocate gives it an 82/100 or “good” rating. Ratebeer is more impressed, giving it a 93/100.
I’m not sure where I purchased this particular bottle, but given how widespread Samuel Adams distribution is, you should be able to find it at any number of Columbus retailers.
Pumpkin Beer Flavor Profile:
More standard beer flavor or more spiced ale: Beer
Pumpkin intensity: Medium
Spice intensity: Low
Malty or hoppy: Malty
Sweet, balanced, or dry: Balanced
Dominant flavor: Caramel and Malt
ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 25
My Rating: 8/10
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