This was at a pre launch event here in Richmond at our new Mellow Mushroom. This was a co-event with a local graffiti artists book release.
The event was killer and was really well attended. So many Richmond beer folks came out to sample the new beer! This was also my fist time at the new Mellow Mushroom which is located in the old Plan 9 record store spot. In fact at one point I realized that I was standing right where I used to sell promo CDs from my job at Tower to get extra beer money! Full circle I suppose! The Mellow folks did an amazing job with the space and I can't wait to go back!!
The beer;
First of all I do not and will not buy in to the whole Sam Adams hate train! They make great consistent craft beer and have been pioneers since before a lot of folks who don't like them stopped drinking formula. They just happen to be huge.... But that just means they get to spread more beer love around! :)
So I remember hearing a while back that Jim Koch vowed to never make an American IPA... So when I heard this was happening I was a bit surprised. Though I have since heard he just stated he wouldn't be forced into the category until he was ready....clearly he was ready! Rebel is an American IPA with a fairly low abv (not low enough to be granted the session branding) and a great appearance! The beer smells great. Nice hop nose and a great identifiable malt backbone.
So the mouthfeel on Rebel was also pretty impressive. Nice full mouth feel, not dry not too sticky. Right in the center and perfect!
This beer tastes like American hops! That's Sam for finally using some great American varieties! Ya know, it wasn't super overpowering with pine or citrus or ammonia or weed (which are the four tastes and smells I get out of different American hop varieties) it's impecibly balanced. But still has a great hop punch for those looking for a weekend six pack! The malt backbone is prevalent and only adds to the balance of this beer.
The label design which is a break from the standard Sam label is also very fresh and in my opinion a great move!
In close I'd like to say thanks to Mellow for hosting this and thanks to Jim Koch for green lighting this great new brand!
Cheers!
Jay