A taste of… Boston Lager

Boston Beer Company
30 Germania Street,
Jamaica Plain, MA‎
(617) 983-9036‎

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Boston Lager was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was an “Enjoy before” of May 2010 on the label.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.
I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: The crystal clear amber brew has a sparkling carbonation. The small bubbles form a linen-white head of rocky foam that leaves a nicely tatted Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of malted barley, followed by a second impression that brings a bright fresh floral scent into play. The third impression remains clean and fresh. Between lip and sip the fresh bright grain and floral sensations continue.

Mouth feel: There is a creamy body to this brew.

Flavor: First is a metallic spike of vegetal tang. This is an ideal first meeting with the nuances of the flavors of hops. This is because the first impression is followed by the toasted grain flavor that has a bit of a tang to it as well… almost sugar caramel. The third sip brings both the first impression and second impression together and the range of flavors become more obvious. Fourth or fifth sips extend the flavor profiles and the nuances of the grain and hops are allowed to develop.

Finish: After all this flavor fun the finish is quick with a dry mineral pallet cleanser leaving anticipation of the next sip.

Comments: One of the best “beginner” beers for someone developing a range beyond mass produced fizzy lager style beers. This flagship brew is not brewed at the Jamaica Plain brewery as demand exceeded capacity many years ago.

Food & Beer: I could see this as an ideal beverage to serve with a Sunday dinner of roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and either cooked or fresh bitter greens. I can see this as a chance for a family to learn about how beer is a food to be shared and consumed with good food and conversation lasting more than five minutes. I see it as a way for parents to introduce young adults to the temperate use of beverage alcohol and the appreciation of the culinary and social aspects of family dining. Well… I can dream can’t I?


The Brewery: http://www.bostonbeer.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=69432&p=irol-homeProfile

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/104

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-boston-lager/158/