Samuel Adams Winter Lager - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

semihobo

Michigan

3.58/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Fresh out of a 12 pack, Feb 2007.

Crystal clear, amber hued, minimal bubbling and a beautiful head.

Complex malt base on the smell as well as some spicy, flavorful hops. Mild spicing. Charred fruit. Smell is subdued and allows a hint of alcohol to creep through.

Very well balanced -- equal parts malts, hops, spices. Hops are crisp and spicy, malts are sweet and figgy, definitely a base of amber malts that reminds me of some Saranac products. Hops are present in the beginning, middle, and end. Miscellaneous sweet seasonings on the finish and a grains of paradise type taste lingers (and not in a welcome way).

Mouthfeel is medium thickness with heavy carbonation, combined with the hops and spices it packs a tingle on the tongue. Doesn't go down without a fight, but that's a good thing here.

Not so remarkable that I'd make this the focus of a tasting, but easily sessionable, and well balanced for a winter seasonal. I'm always happy to see the blue bottles on the shelves and have many fond memories with this beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2006 05:21:34 | More by semihobo

Rdc67

Kentucky

3/5  rDev -17.4%

05-22-2013 19:25:16 | More by Rdc67

HopsConley

Rhode Island

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%

05-21-2013 21:52:59 | More by HopsConley

jonkerbaugh

Colorado

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-21-2013 19:31:16 | More by jonkerbaugh

ChaseBacon

New York

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%

05-21-2013 13:28:03 | More by ChaseBacon

johntfox

Florida

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%

05-21-2013 01:39:41 | More by johntfox

lagerfirst

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +24%

05-21-2013 01:32:58 | More by lagerfirst

Lucoli

New York

3.25/5  rDev -10.5%

05-21-2013 01:11:36 | More by Lucoli

seplo

Connecticut

3/5  rDev -17.4%

05-21-2013 00:29:10 | More by seplo

Kmat10

Alberta (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%

05-20-2013 04:54:53 | More by Kmat10

Slay40

Michigan

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%

05-20-2013 00:45:07 | More by Slay40

IPAchris

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-20-2013 00:28:47 | More by IPAchris

ClayO

Arizona

3.25/5  rDev -10.5%

05-19-2013 22:20:34 | More by ClayO

LeahM

New York

4.25/5  rDev +17.1%

05-19-2013 03:24:22 | More by LeahM

Srive009

Florida

3.25/5  rDev -10.5%

05-18-2013 23:26:37 | More by Srive009

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-18-2013 22:39:18 | More by Photekut

jbarletto

Massachusetts

3.25/5  rDev -10.5%

05-18-2013 14:49:59 | More by jbarletto

jburd19

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%

05-17-2013 01:35:52 | More by jburd19

SmellsofMahagony

Texas

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-17-2013 01:31:42 | More by SmellsofMahagony

verge

California

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%

05-16-2013 22:08:49 | More by verge

calcnerd

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%

05-16-2013 01:20:03 | More by calcnerd

Tavo2311

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-16-2013 01:18:28 | More by Tavo2311

Zimm

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%

05-15-2013 18:23:34 | More by Zimm

downeyben

Kansas

4/5  rDev +10.2%

05-15-2013 17:06:00 | More by downeyben

erialbill

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%

05-15-2013 12:59:04 | More by erialbill