Coaster Critique: Samuel Adams Merry Mischief

On the Eleventh day of Beermas…….

Name: Samuel Adams Merry Mischief

Brewed by: Boston Beer Company

ABV: 9%

Purchased: Burby and Bates, Orono Maine

This is the second Sam Adams beer on the list, which I normally wouldn’t do but I’ve been wanting to try this one since I heard about it. I’m a fan of gingerbread and stout so the thought of a gingerbread stout was very appealing.

Merry Mischief pours black with a creamy, milk chocolate colored head.

Smells sweet, prominent spices, the ginger and cinnamon stand out, picking up some hints of vanilla as well. I would say they are spot on with the smell, definitely reminds me of gingerbread.

Roasty dark malt flavors, picking up some coffee and dark chocolate in the background. The spices are really well done in this beer, I was expecting them to be much stronger based on the smell but they are not overpowering at all, there is a slight bitterness that seems to be keeping the spices in check. The 9% ABV isn’t noticeable in the flavor but adds a gentle warming sensation to the throat and chest after swallowing. Merry Mischief is full bodied, lightly carbonated and has a nice dry finish.

Overall a nice stout, this would be an excellent dessert beer, I wouldn’t hesitate to pair this up some gingerbread cookies or even a slice of pumpkin pie. At 9% ABV and sold in a 22oz bottle it’s a good one to share. If you find a bottle it’s worth picking up.

Cheers!

Chaddah

Feel free to follow along!

Day 1: Samual Adams White Christmas, Boston Beer Co.

Day 2: Slick Nick, Sebago Brewing Co.

Day 3: Goose Island Christmas Ale, Goose Island Beer Co.

Day 4: Winter Session, Peak Organic

Day 5: Woodchuck Winter, Woodchuck Cidery

Day 6: Snow Day, New Belgium Brewing

Day 7: Weyerbacher Winter Ale, Weyerbacher brewing

Day 8: N’ice Chouffe, Brasserie D’achouffe

Day 9: St.Bernardus Christmas Ale, Brouwerij St. Bernardus

Day 10: Lump of Coal, Ridgeway Brewery

Day 11: Samuel Adams Merry Mischief, Boston Beer Co.

Day 12: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Anchor Brewing Co.

 

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.