REVIEW: Samuel Adams Brown Ale
By Captain Beer on Mar 19, 2008 in Brew Reviews
Yet another solemn nod to The Boston Beer Company and another satisfied palate over here. As we strolled the awful cavernous aisles of a wholesaler, seeking free samples and bulk-size crackers, there like a beacon of light shown a beer brewed near Beacon Hill where once I made a bacon sandwich and beckoned friends with brew to draw near. Or something. What I mean is I got this mixed case of Sam Adams and aw damn, happy times. Sam Lager, Black Lager, Scotch Ale and Brown Ale, all in one place! And this Brown Ale is a fine beer, man. For serious.
A lovely brown (ey!) color, a nice tan-white head and an aroma that lets you know you’re in a good place. The bouquet is malt and bready with a hint of hop and a bit of sweet caramel. The taste? RICH malty goodness with a subtle but complex play of nutiness and caramel. The hops balance out the rich malt flavors with a nice mix of bitterness and a slight tangy, almost citrus touch. If I had to use a few words to describe the beer, rich and subtle would surely be in there. Oh ale, you rocked my socks! Or wait… that was the rock tumbler. Why the fu.ck are my socks in the rock tumbler!? You ruined my socks AND my amethyst! Dammit! Now what am I going to wear and what am I going to bring to the Gem Gala?
Y es, that’s right: I am going to the Gem Gala. And I was going to have some prize-worthy, low-occlusion amethyst, but I guess now I’ll bring Lapis lazuli and boring old obsidian. Just like last year.
In the spirit of likening, kind sir, what would you liken it to? Newcastle, perhaps? I’m curious. I would venture to say that Sammy hasn’t ventured far past its lagers, for a few presumed reasons: 1) Far too much competition for them to penetrate this half of the beer market (huh-huh, I said “penetrate”). 2) Sammy probably has way too many contracts with Hallertauer Mittelfrueh and other lager-friendly hop distributors, and ales require many other varieties. 3) U2’s Rattle and Hum is on MHD right now. Think about it.
General German | Mar 21, 2008 | Reply
more body than newcastle, i say. i compare it to maybe a fuller’s? and i also say that sam adams has gone far beyond their lagers, sir. give them a second and 19th look. i suggest a mix pack. you never go wrong with a mixed case o’ sam. hells yeah.
Captain Beer | Mar 22, 2008 | Reply
That Sam Adams Brewmaster’s Collection 12-pk is just a great time, man. Just a great time.
Kolonel Tripel | Mar 25, 2008 | Reply
Indeed they are. Except that this was a full 24 case. A much better time indeed.
Captain Beer | Mar 25, 2008 | Reply