Hey there beer lover, here’s a piece of advice that you might want to heed. You might not see Samuel Adams Tasman Red on a regular basis, but if you do, it’s a beer well worth picking up. I’ve actually seen it offered in 22 ounce “bomber” bottles, though I must confess I never picked one up. I’m not sure why. I did, however, rectify that dereliction of duty when I picked up the IPA Hopolgy case lot this past summer. It included 4 bottles of the Tasman Red Ale along with 4 bottles each of 5 other beers. One interesting thing about the Tasman Red, it does not have the traditional “Best Enjoyed By” date notched as most Samuel Adams beers do. Instead, it says the following: Enjoy now or age it to further develop rich and unique flavors. That threw me for a loop, so of course I aged two of the four bottles, and that’s what I’m taking notes on tonight. Here’s what Boston Beer says about Tasman red on the label: This wily red IPA gets its character from the Tasmanian hops that are full of grapefruit, pine, and earthy notes creating a bold flavor that threads throughout the taste. The hops are balanced by a core of roasty malts that give this brew body and richness with hints of toffee. This flavorful brew is rounded and smooth with a dry and citrusy hop finish. Ingredients from the website: HOP VARIETIES: Topaz, Galaxy MALT VARIETIES: Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Special B, Caramel 60, Carafa III Samuel Adams Tasman Red has an alcohol content of 6.8% by volume and 60 IBUs. The bomber bottles will run you about $5.99, while the IPA Hopology Case was a reasonable $28.99. Samuel Adams Tasman Red pours to a murky ruby color with a medium creamy head formation and inviting nose of soft stewed malts with a touch of hops. Taking a sip, I get thick fruity chewy stewed malts upfront followed by berry fruit, citrusy grapefruit, a bit of resiny pine, and in the finish herbal grassy hops and more of the resin and grapefruit. There's a big bitterness at the last that lingers for a good while. Overall, a very nicely done “red” IPA at a nice price. And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box. *Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer. (B)=Bottled (D)=Draft