You’ve probably heard of Ump Scorched, right? It’s the new beer from Sam Adams that gets its flavor from an Indian cooking liquid called ghee. It’s been around for a few years now, and has been featured in a bunch of different publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. You may have also seen the TV commercial with the Indian chef and the line, “it’s like a slow-cooked ode to the flavors of India.” While the comparison to food is a nice touch, I doubt many people think about beer when they hear that ad.
The reason Ump doesn’t get as much love as it deserves is because of its limited distribution. It’s only available in a few select areas of the country. Most folks have to go to the trouble of finding a liquor store that carries it, or they have to go into Boston to get it. With its limited distribution, it doesn’t draw quite as many thirsty fans as it could. This is a shame, because not only is Ump Scorched delicious, but it’s also extremely affordable. If you’ve never tried it, you definitely should. And if you have, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The Taste Is Amazing
While I was at the Cincinnati Reds ballpark this past Sunday, watching the Red Sox play the Cardinals, I happened to catch a glimpse of Ump Scorched being served at a nearby booth. I asked the bartender what was the best way to enjoy that beer, and the response was “as always.” I took a gulp, and was immediately transported back in time to my youth, sitting in the kitchen with my grandmother, making ketchup sandwiches for the baseball games that we all loved to go to. I think about her often, and the way that she would make me feel when I was around her, looking after her and keeping track of what was going on in the kitchen. That’s the best way to enjoy Ump, in my opinion. With Grandma. It conjures up a feeling of warmth and comfort, as well as amazing taste. The creamy, tomato-based ketchup that she used to make was the best I had ever tasted, and I still remember the excitement when she would bring a tin of it home, especially after a good game.
After I got over the initial shock of seeing Grandma at a ballgame, I had the opportunity to try several different ones, and honestly, Ump is one of the best. The combination of the ginger and the cloves in it give it a taste that’s all its own. It doesn’t taste like most other beers, and I think that’s what makes it so special. There’s no other beer that mixes spices like that, and it makes all the difference in the world. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the head doesn’t settle to the top, which is usually the case with most beers. It just stays there, looking like a glass of mulled wine, with the spices and the sweetness of the apples coming through beautifully. It would be great in a snowstorm, or as the weather starts to cool down in the fall, or even in the summer time, when you just want a refreshing drink after working outside. Ump is available in six-pack cans for a reasonable price at most supermarkets, and I think that’s the best way to enjoy it.
It’s Affordable
Apart from the fact that it doesn’t get as much love as it deserves, another reason why most people may not have tried Ump is because of its price. It’s one of the most affordable beers available at the moment, particularly when compared to other India pale ales or dark beers. It’s around $3.50 per six-pack at Costco, for example, which is a great price for such a decadent drink. It’s also available at most supermarkets for a similar price. If you’re looking for something new to try, then Ump is the choice for you. And if you want to indulge yourself on a special occasion, then it’s the perfect way to do so, as you’ll feel as if you’re getting value for your money. It may not be the most popular beer in the country, but it’s certainly one of the most unique and tasty ones out there. And that’s something to be proud of.