Eminent Domain

As you can probably tell from the last few beers I have reviewed, I purchased a rather large Sam Adams sampler pack (okay, it was a case). Many breweries (Sam Adams included) have sampler packs and cases to promote their seasonals. They are usually reasonably priced, often come with a free glass, and give you an easy way to try a few new beers. The last beer in my sampler pack is Sam Adams Boston Lager. This is the flagship beer of the Sam Adams brewery. If you are in a restaurant, this is probably the variety that they stock.

The Boston Lager has a nice, traditional amber beer color. It certainly doesn't look like one of the macrobrews. The aroma isn't overpowering but the hops and malts are certainly detectable. The taste is fairly complex. The light sweet flavor from the malts is the first thing that you notice. But then, the hops come out of nowhere and dominate the finish. The strong bite at the finish might be too strong for some people, but I like a good kick in the teeth every so often. What I really appreciate about this beer is that Sam Adams is willing to make their main beer so damn hoppy. That's a pretty gutsy move, especially since the most popular American beers are weak on the hops. The flavor coats your mouth and lingers, unlike the Pale Ale. As I mentioned, Boston Lager is available at many chain restaurants. I'd suggest it with a meal.