For today’s beer review I thought I would profile one that helped spur my interest in craft beer.  I’m speaking of the Samuel Adams Boston Lager from the Boston Beer Company located in Boston, Massachusetts.

I, like so many, have had this brew countless times and I can’t begin to tell you how often this drink has saved me at restaurant’s when nothing else was available.

This is, of course, the beer that started it all for the Boston Beer Company and I would be fairly certain that it kick started a lot of craft beer drinkers and craft beer brewers to explore this genre.

On the website, samueladams.com, I found this description of the Boston Lager:

Complex and balanced with a beautiful hop aroma. 

Samuel Adams Boston Lager is an excellent example of the fundamentals of a great beer, offering a full, rich flavor that is both balanced and complex.  That unique flavor is the result of a perfect combination of our signature hand selected ingredients and a traditional four vessel brewing process. 

Samuel Adams Boston Lager uses only the finest ingredients including two-row malted barley and Bavarian Noble hops.  The sole use of two-row barley not only imparts a full, smooth body but also gives the beer a wide spectrum of malt flavor ranging from slightly sweet to roasted. 

We also take great pride in the Noble hops we use.  They’re hand selected by Jim Koch and our brewers from the world’s oldest hop growing areas.  Although they are among the most expensive hops, their unmistakable aroma and taste is essential to Samuel Adams Boston Lager.  The Noble hop varieties of Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Tettnang Tettnanger add a wide range of floral, piney and citrus notes, which are present from the aroma, through the taste, and all the way to the lingering smooth finish.

I haven’t had this beer for a long time and I’ve never given it a proper review, so I figure it’s about time to do so.

   
This beer has an ABV of 4.9% and comes packaged in a 12 oz. bottle. 

The appearance of the Boston Lager was a clear amber to almost “penny” copper color with a slightly off white, bubbly, foamy, soapy, two-fingered head.  The top maintained its retention very well and after a few minutes it became a bit rocky, which allowed for some pretty good lacing.

In the aroma, I found a nice burst of floral hops mixed with a pleasant, sweet smelling caramel malt.  A conservative amount of citrus was imparted in the nose, which added to the overall appealing bouquet.  It smells clean and fresh….. just how I remembered it.

The taste provided some moderate hoppiness that brought out a bit of bitterness, although it’s not enough to overtake or outshine a prevalent caramel malt savor.  As I worked my way through the beer, I started to detect a bready/biscuit quality that I think really helps push the flavor along by adding touches of an earthy dryness.  It’s nicely balanced, calm and well rounded.  It tastes nice I think.

The mouthfeel was medium to light, smooth, snappy, crisp and refreshing.  The carbonation was good and reasonable amounts of flavor were left on the palate for me to enjoy.

I’m not ashamed to say that I like this beer.  It holds a special place on my “beer timeline.”  Without it, I may still be drinking swill.  It’s very solid, well balanced and complex enough to garner some discussion.  Some disregard this brew because it has become so popular, however that will not deter me from drinking it again.  I actually wish I had a 6-pack right now!!!  This could be both a great introductory beer as well as a non-conforming drink for more experienced “craft beer” drinkers.  Not to mention, it pairs well with so many different kinds of meals.  I can see why this is Jim Koch’s favorite recipe.  It’s good!!!!  Not much left to say really.  Just drink it and enjoy. 

If you haven’t had this brew in a while, pick up a bottle or two and give it your full attention and see for yourself how well this beer is made.  I did!!!  I think this is a beer that will be around forever.  Why shouldn’t it be really???

Thanks for reading and commenting guys.  Cheers!!!! 

Score:  4.0 out of 5
Grade:  B+