Note: This is a series I call Caveman Beer Reviews, because I like to drink beer but am a caveman when it comes to beer knowledge. I know only the basics, and do not have a refined palate. I’ll review the beers on price and what they look, smell, and taste like to me.
Beer: Samuel Adams Winter Lager
Bottom Line: An okay, weak-tasting beer with a malty flavor and hints of sweet molasses. Not bad, but not impressive.
Price: About $14.99 for a 12-pack of 12 ounce bottles.
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Details
I have a love-hate relationship with Samuel Adams. I not only really like his Boston Lager, but also love that he’s from Boston, because I went to school there and have a real soft spot for Beantown. So, I’m ecstatic to see him succeed, and sadly disappointed when he falls short; I have high expectations.
With this mindset, I got this cute-looking “winter” brew, decorated with winter-wonderland imagery (never mind that I live in Miami, which doesn’t really get winter weather). So, I was looking forward to some sweet seasons’ greetings when I popped this one open.
No idea what this dude’s got to do with the holidays, but he’s got a Christmas hashtag and a swagger I wish I’d had at that age, so I’m dropping him right here
Origin: The bottle says Boston, Cincinnati, and Breinigsville, PA. Which one is it? Only Samuel Adams knows.
Alcohol: 5.6%
Looks: A dark glass beer bottle with some blue-and-green winter holiday imagery (mainly a Christmas tree). The beer itself is a dark brown color.
Smell: Medium-strength malty smell, but with hints of sweet molasses.
Taste: I can’t say that much about the Samuel Adams Winter Lager, because it doesn’t really taste like much. Weirdly, it has a flavor that’s both sweet and somewhat sour/bitter (bittersweet?), but it’s not strong at all.
This brew is also very gaseous, and light and easy to drink on account of its weak taste.
That’s not to say it’s bad; but there’s just not much there.
Hangover Factor: Nothing unusual. I’m a male in reasonably good health born in 1983.
Final Thoughts
This is an ok beer that simply lacks robust taste. If you dig that, then by all means go for it. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
What do you think of Samuel Adams brews?
GIF from Giphy
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