With the super bowl, a near religious experience for many Americans, in mind, this weeks Sip With Us Saturday beer is an easy to find, low alcohol, session beer:  Samuel Adams Noble Pils.  This beer is only 5.2% ABV, and is new to the market, the result of the public’s voting it in during Sam Adams’ 2009 Beer Lover’s Choice election.  It is intended to replace the White Ale as the seasonal Spring beer.

Sam Adams describes Noble Pils as:

Samuel Adams® Noble Pils is brewed with all 5 Noble hops for a distinct hop character and fresh taste.  Deep golden in color with a citrusy hop aroma, Samuel Adams Noble Pils is a traditional Bohemian Pilsner.  The honeyed malt character from traditional Bohemian malt is balanced by delicate yet pronounced citrus, floral, and piney notes from the Noble hops.

What struck my attention in reading the description is that Sam Adams nonchalantly proclaims that there are a definitive five noble hops.  In reality, only two hop varieties are nobly agreed upon as “noble,” those two hops being Czech Saaz and Tettnanger.  Some also are gracious to include Spalt and Hallertau.  I do not know what fifth variety Sam Adams includes, but I guess it would be Styrian.

Regardless, bedazzle your macro drinker guests with your knowledge of Noble hops and introduce them to a familiar flavor from a familiar brand.  Who knows, it could end up leading them down the road to better beer conversion.