Samuel Adams Releases Cold Snap as New Spring Seasonal
Being that winter began a little over one week ago seeing a spring seasonal on your local shelf may slightly catch you off guard. Though we are fast approaching the new year, spring seasonals are starting to hit store shelves. One of the first to do so is Samuel Adams Cold Snap, their new Belgian-style white ale spring seasonal.
Most of you may be scratching your head that a spring seasonal is being released when winter officially began a week ago. Yes, it does seem a bit early to begin discussing spring beers but to maintain retail shelf space it’s imperative for brewers to stay ahead of the curve and maintain all of their allocated space. Once the New Year hits most holiday themed beers stop selling and if you do not have a standalone winter seasonal your brewery may fall victim to stagnant sales and other breweries grabbing your retail space.
In 2014, Samuel Adams is replacing their former spring seasonal, Alpine Spring, with Cold Snap, a medium-bodied, Belgian-style white ale that sits at 5.3% ABV. The new name is one that translates better for a beer that will be on store shelves throughout the winter months. Cold Snap is brewed with a blend of fresh ground spring spices for the perfect transition from the darker beers of winter to the lighter beers of summer. Brewed with only pale malts for a crisp, cereal maltiness and honey malt for a slight sweetness. While this beer isn’t brewed with orange blossom, Tettnang Tettnanger Noble hops create a unique, bright citrusy aroma and taste of orange blossom honey.
Samuel Adams Cold Snap will be available nationwide from January through March in six-packs, 12-packs (bottles and cans) and on draft. It will also be available as part of the Samuel Adams Spring Brews Variety 12-Pack.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.
Brilliant marketing and the label looks like a winter beer label. Those New England springs sure as hell can feel like winter let me tell you. Sometimes mudseason doesn’t roll around until May/June. Ayuh
was looking forward to Alpine Spring, for months now. Now… They aren’t brewing it. Instead we get a Belgian-style white ? I think there are enough of that on the market already. Me and some friends were ready to sample some fresh pulls of the Alpine Spring. Sadly, not now.
I’m so upset that I cant find winter lager anymore. Its my favorite beer. I wish I had just one more 12 pack to have for my superbowl party. 🙁
I only hope that this takes back me back to my old Spring Seasonal favorite – White Ale. I’ll never understand why Sam Adams took that one away. White Lantern is good, but not available in the quantities or for the extended time period I want to drink. Can’t wait to give this new one a taste.
I understand that Cold Snap will be introduced this month- January. I live in So East MA. Where can I find it ?
Had cold snap yesterday. Absolutely delicious! Yes I miss alpine spring but this Belgian white is one of the best I have ever had!! Good job Jim!! Cheers!!!!
Got a chance to sample yesterday as BW3 has in on tap. I gotta tell you that I REALLY ENJOYED IT!! While it is NOTHING like Winter Ale, it is similar to Blue Moon, although the citrus is much more subdued. EXCELLENT complement for hot wings, if you ask me.
I had it last night. It’s Blue Moon. Sad. I really liked Alpine Spring and Noble Pils.
I had this beer for the first time and I must say that it’s great, the flavors are extrodornary, I will definitely stock up on this beer
Hello I’m a manager at an Applebee’s and we are selling the cold snap beer. I’m having a St Patricks day party on March 15. I was wondering if you have anything you can send or have the beer rep send to our store to give away. Our address is 3440 William Penn highway Pittsburgh pa 15235. I appreciate anything that you can do. My number is 724 963 6710
I am very upset, Alpine Spring was one of my favorites, I’ll just have to go with Leinenkugel instead.
Cold Snap doesn’t compare to Alpine Spring…Alpine Spring is one of SA’s best brews and should be available year round.
Bought one 6 pack Cold Snap. Tried two and gave rest away. My friends and I are not impressed and will not buy more.
Well I’m super disappointed by this. I was pregnant last year and couldn’t enjoy my fav, alpine spring Sam. I’ve been looking forward to it, just to find out it was replaced by something not nearly as good.
april 9th, still available and fabulous on a warm spring, gulf-coast day
Very disappointed that Alpine Spring will not be available. Linenkugel will be getting my business instead.
Please bring back Alpine Spring! It’s my all time favorite.
I live in Colorado home of great craft beer . We love cold snap best Sam Adams ever can’t get enough
I have been stopping periodically at my local beer stores eagerly looking forward to some Alpine Spring. This is one of the only products that I purchase from Sam Adams and really loved it. It reminded me of some unfiltered Landbiers I had in far western Germany. Very disappointed and I don’t want any “spices” besides hops in my beer.
I loved alpine spring. It was by far my favorite Sam Adams brew. The 1st time I had cold snap l liked it very much, but for whatever reason it was not something I would go out of my way to buy. I really think they should bring it back. If they ever do I will certainly stock up. I have could a new love it’s Harpoon the long thaw. Great stuff. But I would absolutely buy alpine if it ever came back. Come on guys let’s give it anot her try.
Joe
I wish you were able to make the Alpine springs also with the cold snap. By far the Alpine springs was my favorite. I am sad that I can not purchase any more. Cold snap is to spicy.