Sam Adams Longshot winners

For those who aren't as beer geeky as me.... Each year Sam Adams has a national competition. They ask homebrewers (and S.A. employees) to send in beers. They judge them and the winners get to brew their beers at Sam Adams and they put them out together in a six pack.... Here are this years Long Shot Winners.... Figured I would try them and see what is up....

The Long shot sixpack

The winners. Two homebrewers and one Sam Adams employee.

The Employee winner was a lavender Honey Ale.

Sue's first comment was..."it smells like shampoo". Not good I guess.

Honey B’s Lavender Ale – Ale brewed with lavender petals with honey added. 5.5%.
slight lavender flavor and aroma. smooth honey flavor. Pale ale. Ok beer.…not distinctive…
Let the beer warm up…more flavor and aroma comes late…

Next...A black IPA

Blackened Hops – Hoppy Black IPA. 7.0%. Good…bitter and roasty taste. Great hops aroma…..nice foamy head with lasting lace…. Nice lace all the way down! (some wheat for sure). Dry…easy to drink more than one…

Lastly....Friar Hop Ale

Friar Hop Ale – Ale brewed with spices. 9.0% Very Saisony. Favorite of the three. Nice, spicy, smooth. Can’t tell it is this high gravity. OK…I would actually drink this one. BUT…first thing I said is….Henepin. So, there you go.