As a beer enthusiast and experienced taster, I’m always on the lookout for beers that can rival or complement my favorites. One such beer that holds a special place in my heart is the classic Sam Adams Boston Lager.
This iconic American brew boasts a perfect balance of maltiness and hoppy bitterness that makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
In my quest for beers akin to Sam Adams Boston Lager, I have come across five fantastic alternatives that are sure to delight your taste buds.
In this post, I’ll be discussing the following beers:
1. Brooklyn Lager
2. Anchor Steam Beer
3. Yuengling Traditional Lager
4. Great Lakes Eliot Ness Amber Lager
5. Sierra Nevada Vienna Lager
So, sit back, grab a cold one, and join me on this taste test journey as we explore these five exceptional brews.
1. Brooklyn Lager
Originating from the great state of New York, the Brooklyn Lager is a fantastic contender in the American lager scene. First introduced in 1988, this brew was inspired by the pre-prohibition era when Vienna-style lagers were all the rage in the United States.
Brew Method & Taste Profile
Brooklyn Lager is brewed using a technique known as “dry-hopping,” which involves adding fresh hops to the beer during the secondary fermentation stage. This process imparts a delightful hop aroma and flavor that is reminiscent of the Sam Adams Boston Lager.
The taste of Brooklyn Lager is characterized by its smooth, malty backbone, complemented by a crisp and refreshing hop bitterness. It has a beautiful amber color and a slightly sweet aroma, making it a perfect alternative to the Boston Lager.
2. Anchor Steam Beer
Hailing from San Francisco, California, Anchor Steam Beer is a unique and historic brew that has been around since the 1800s. This distinctive beer is named after the steam brewing process that was commonplace during the Gold Rush era in California.
Brew Method & Taste Profile
Anchor Steam Beer is brewed using a special process that combines elements of both lager and ale brewing techniques. The beer is fermented at warmer temperatures, similar to an ale, but uses a lager yeast strain, which results in a unique hybrid brew.
The taste of Anchor Steam Beer is marked by its rich, caramel maltiness, balanced by a subtle hop bitterness. Its deep amber color and creamy head make it an attractive and satisfying alternative to Sam Adams Boston Lager.
3. Yuengling Traditional Lager
As America’s oldest operating brewery, Yuengling has a long and storied history dating back to 1829. Their Traditional Lager is a flagship brew that has stood the test of time and garnered a loyal following among beer lovers.
Brew Method & Taste Profile
Yuengling Traditional Lager is brewed with a combination of roasted caramel malt and a blend of select hops, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. This amber lager boasts a medium-bodied malt character, accompanied by a gentle hop bitterness that doesn’t overpower the palate.
If you’re a fan of Sam Adams Boston Lager and its perfect balance of flavors, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the classic taste of Yuengling Traditional Lager.
4. Great Lakes Eliot Ness Amber Lager
Named in honor of the legendary Prohibition agent, Eliot Ness, this Amber Lager by Great Lakes Brewing Company is an exceptional brew that has won numerous awards for its outstanding taste and quality.
Brew Method & Taste Profile
Great Lakes Eliot Ness Amber Lager is brewed using a combination of Harrington 2-Row Base Malt, Munich Malt, Caramel 60 Malt, and a touch of Black Malt. This blend of malts provides a rich, toasty, and slightly sweet flavor profile that is balanced by the addition of Mt. Hood and Northern Brewer hops.
Eliot Ness Amber Lager is a smooth and easy-drinking beer that offers a delightful alternative to Sam Adams Boston Lager, with its striking balance of maltiness and hop bitterness.
5. Sierra Nevada Vienna Lager
Last but not least, we have the Sierra Nevada Vienna Lager. This brew is part of Sierra Nevada’s “Old World Classics” lineup, which pays homage to traditional European beer styles. As the name suggests, this beer is inspired by the classic Vienna lagers that originated in Austria.
Brew Method & Taste Profile
Sierra Nevada Vienna Lager is brewed using a blend of Two-row Pale, Pilsner, Munich, and Vienna malts, which contribute to its rich and bready malt profile. The addition of German Perle and Saphir hops provides a mild and balanced bitterness that complements the malt flavors perfectly.
This beer has a beautiful copper color and a clean, crisp finish that makes it a fantastic alternative to Sam Adams Boston Lager for those seeking a slightly more European-inspired brew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of beer is vast and diverse, and there are plenty of fantastic alternatives to Sam Adams Boston Lager if you’re looking to expand your palate. Each of the five beers discussed in this post offers a unique and delicious taste experience that is sure to please fans of the iconic Boston Lager.
My personal recommendation? Give the Great Lakes Eliot Ness Amber Lager a try. Its award-winning taste, smoothness, and perfect balance of maltiness and hop bitterness make it an exceptional choice for those seeking a beer similar to Sam Adams Boston Lager. Cheers!
FAQs
What type of beer is Sam Adams Boston Lager?
Sam Adams Boston Lager is a Vienna-style lager. It is a rich, amber-colored beer that combines a balanced malt sweetness with a crisp hop bitterness, resulting in a smooth and flavorful brew.
Why did they change Sam Adams Boston Lager?
The recipe for Sam Adams Boston Lager has not been changed. The taste of beer can vary slightly from batch to batch due to factors like ingredient sourcing, brewing techniques, and environmental conditions. However, the overall recipe and flavor profile of Sam Adams Boston Lager have remained consistent over the years.
Is Sam Adams a lager or ale?
Sam Adams is a lager.
What happened to Sam Adams Boston Lager?
Sam Adams Boston Lager is still available and widely distributed. It remains one of the flagship beers produced by the Boston Beer Company, the brewery founded by Jim Koch in 1984. The popularity of Sam Adams Boston Lager has grown over the years, and it continues to be a staple in the craft beer market.
What does Sam Adams Boston Lager taste like?
Sam Adams Boston Lager has a rich and balanced flavor profile. It offers a slightly sweet and toasty malt character, complemented by a moderate hop bitterness. The beer has notes of caramel, bread, and a hint of citrus, resulting in a smooth and refreshing taste.
Did Sam Adams get bought out?
Yes, Sam Adams, a popular beer brand, did not get bought out. It is owned by The Boston Beer Company, which continues to operate independently.
