John Holl

A note came in from Sam Adams HQ this February 2, 2011, that the prognosticator of prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and, as such, Spring would arrive six weeks early. With the winter beating most of the country has received over the last few months this is certainly welcome news.

According to a press release from the brewery, Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Co. which makes the Sam Adams line of beers, was in Punxsutawney this morning to watch the most famous rodent weatherman make his prediction. Last night, Koch was made an honorary member of Punxsutawney Phil’s Inner Circle, “a group of tuxedo-clad keepers sworn to uphold the grand tradition of Groundhog Day.”

It should be noted that – in pictures at least – Koch shunned the top hat and tails and wore his usual outfit of tan kahki pants with a blue denim button down shirt stitched with the Samuel Adams logo.

It is fitting that Punxsutawney Phil predicted spring, because the brewery is using it as a chance to promote their spring seasonal beer, Noble Pils.

This beer showed up in recent years as a nice alternative to some heavier “spring” alternatives. It’s brewed in the Czech style and comes out as crisp with a nice bit of hops on the finish. At 4.9% ABV, it’s a really nice session beer.

Noble Pils, Koch told me in an interview a few months ago, was first brewed as a wedding beer for his daughter who was married a few years ago. It was so popular, he said, that the brewery decided to add it to their regular lineup.

Available between January and March, Noble Pils, should make us all think of warmer times. That is something we desperately need right about now.

Samuel Adams Founder and Brewer, Jim Koch, was sworn in last night as an honorary member of Punxsutawney Phil’s Inner Circle, a group of tuxedo-clad keepers sworn to uphold the grand tradition of Groundhog Day. Jim was selected because of his passion for brewing beers that pair well with each season. Samuel Adams Noble Pils, his spring seasonal, helps hibernating beer lovers transition from winter to spring. As part of the Groundhog Day festivities, Jim and the Punxsutawney crew toasted Phil on the eve of his 125th birthday.