Samuel Adams Boston Lager

An aroma of spicy noble hops followed by mild floral notes greets you before the toasty and somewhat caramel-like malt breaks through. A very clean fermentation, and a bright golden color accentuate the streaming bubbles, which support a creamy white head and fine lacing — reminding you of what a truly beautiful beer this is to behold. The flavor follows the aroma: Lots of spicy and floral hops create a firm bitterness, which the malt sweetness keeps in check. The malt profile is toasty but lacks the juicy malt character that Vienna malts often provide. The caramel malt is pleasant, providing some complexity and balance, but seems out of place in a Vienna Lager. Hop bitterness prevents this smooth, creamy beer from finishing too sweet and the moderate carbonation keeps it refreshing. This is one of those beers that is extremely well made and a pleasure to drink, but suffers when judged as an example of a classic style. As a Vienna Lager this beer is too hoppy, too bitter and presents inappropriate caramel sweetness, but apart from stylistic issues is a great beer… I’ll have another please!