Great Divide Brewing Returns With Samurai Rice Ale

Six-pack of Samurai Rice Ale. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)
Six-pack of Samurai Rice Ale. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)

First brewed ten years ago in 2006, Great Divide Brewing Co. returns with Samurai Rice Ale after this four-year absence. Back in 2012 Great Divide had to make a tough decision due to brewing capacity issues and decided to retire Samurai Rice Ale to make tank space for year-round availability of Colette and Nomad. With this decision fans of Samurai Rice Ale were devastated.

Beginning this month Samurai Rice Ale will once again see the light of day. The warrior known as Samurai makes its return in cans throughout the state of Colorado. For those of us outside of Colorado, Samurai Rice Ale will be available on draft both in and out-of-state. Can of Samurai will be available to out-of-state markets in early 2017.

Rear can image of Samurai Rice Ale. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)
Rear can image of Samurai Rice Ale. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)

Throughout its absence the recipe for Samurai Rice Ale has never changed. Even though it’s a Rice Ale, this beer is not Gluten-Free as its counterpart from Coors Brewing in neighboring Golden, Colorado. Great Divide continues to use barley in the recipe.

According to the press release, He has returned with a refreshed look and adorned with new armor, his taste and recipe remain the same classic beer we all remember enjoying a few years ago. With his hands on his hips, his bun pulled tightly back, and his sword at his side, Samurai is back and ready to defend his honor, for good.

An Evolution of Samurai. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)
An Evolution of Samurai. (image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Co.)

Samurai Rice Ale Stats:
ABV: 5.5%
Availability: Year-Round
Beer Description: Samurai is the perfect beer for your zen garden after a battle or your patio after a long day of work. The addition of rice gives a slightly fruity, crisp, refreshing element to this unfiltered ale, creating a light, easy-going beer suitable for the peaceful warrior.
Food Pairing: Seared tuna with sesame seeds, green papaya salad, basil fried rice, Humbolt Fog goat cheese, strawberry shortcake.