Samuel Adams Brick Red - Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.51/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on-tap at Anthem Kitchen & Bar in Boston, MA

A: Pours a clear darker reddish amber in color with some moderate amounts of visible carbonation and some garnet red highlights. The beer has a half finger tall thin light beige head that quickly reduces to a medium patch of very thin film and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of caramel malts and toasted malts along with some faint notes of grassy and earthy hops.

T: Upfront there are moderate flavors of toasted and caramel malts with just a slight hint of sweetness. Very light flavors of grassy and earthy hops contribute just a hint of bitterness which fades quickly.

M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly crisp with just a hint of dryness in the finish.

O: This was an OK beer but kind of what I have come to expect from Sam Adams - nothing too risky, fairly safe recipes that would appeal to gateway craft beer drinkers. I'm glad that I happened to find this on tap while visiting Boston for the weekend because otherwise I would not have had the opportunity to try it.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2013 18:00:34 | More by dbrauneis

Alextricity

Michigan

3.8/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This is a very good beer... and I can't have it any time I'd like, because I don't live in or around Boston. Brick Red to me tasted quite a decent bit like Boston Lager, with slightly less bitterness.

Brick Red has what you'd expect -- a red color. I honestly can't quite remember the smell exactly, but I do remember that at the time, I had no complaints about Brick Red. The taste of this beer is the best part... like I said, somewhat similar to Boston Lager, but more palatable for me with almost no bitterness to speak of.

This and 26.2 (Both Boston exclusives, unfortunately...) are both two of the better Samuel Adams varieties. I can understand and appreciate why they're only available in Boston, but I still wish they'd bottle it and ship it!

Serving type: on-tap

07-11-2012 22:09:04 | More by Alextricity

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

3.78/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the brewery.
Pours a deep amber almost red with a decent sized tan head that shows great retention. Smells of malty caramel and toffee with just enough earthy floral hops to make it a Sam Adams beer. The taste is a little sweet and a bit malty with a great Irish Red caramel feel to it. Spicy earthy hops provide some balance to the sweetness. Medium body with a moderate to spirited level of carbonation and a sweet malty mouthfeel. This is a nice Irish Red with a bit of a kick in the hops. I liked it a bit.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2012 00:48:20 | More by johnnnniee

RyanGoodman

Bolivia

3.5/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at the brewery.

Clear, reddish-brown. Light, little bubbles. Smelled not too much of cherries, and salt water. Taste is not off-putting, but not outstanding either. Light and easy across the palate. Seems well designed for style.

It was a treat to have a "rare" SA beer while in it's home town.

Serving type: on-tap

06-17-2012 02:37:53 | More by RyanGoodman

lovindahops

New York

3.53/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- very caramel red with no foam at all. Very basic in terms of body and color

S- very sweet with caramel and sugar flavor

T- brick red is malty and sweet. A good amount of flavor in terms of the malty experience

M- a little light but still good on the sugary flavor

O- what else can be said, I am in Boston and you have to embrace this type of beer experience

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2012 23:08:58 | More by lovindahops

stephenjmoore

Maryland

3.25/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- A nice deep dark amber, thin white head.

S- Caramel malt, maybe a light cherry aroma, but not a whole lot.

T- Mainly malt coming through, caramel, some hop presence.

M- Smooth, malty, medium bodied.

O- Good beer, but not a whole lot coming through. I could drink a few.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2012 19:06:13 | More by stephenjmoore

WMEugene

Virginia

4.08/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

From notes taken during lunch before the Saturday session of EBF 2012.

A - Clear reddish amber color with a thin off-white head and some lacing on the glass. A nice, clean looking beer.

S - Very malty, little bit of caramel and other amber-ish malts. Very faint notes of hops.

T - Malts, caramel, taste exactly as expected for the Irish Red style. A very good example of the style.

M - Medium bodied, nice carbonation, creamy with a bit of crispness in the finish. Very, very drinkable.

O - Boston Brick Red is a nice and solid example of the style. In particular, it is very drinkable and a great accompaniment to a meal (I had this one with pizza). It is rare and I definitely would like to see more of this one.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2012 03:59:06 | More by WMEugene

brureview

Massachusetts

3.28/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in a pint glass on tap at Joe's American Bar & Grill Dedham, MA.

Nice amber color, with a small head smelling of lemon and wheat; accompanied by a pungent tanginess.

At first, the finish seemed off-balance- too heavy for the initial smell and pungency.

After the beer warmed up- the finish was a smoother tangy lemon-wheat.

It's a good restaurant beer. I would be interested in trying it in a bottle for comparison.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 02:46:59 | More by brureview

oline73

Maryland

3.08/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

I had this at the Cheers set bar in Boston. Served in a dimpled Cheers mug.

Appearance: I'll admit this is a nice looking beer. Pours a reddish dark amber with a finger of thick off white head that leaves some lacing on the glass.

Smell: Mild smell overall. I'm picking up some bready malt along with a slight sweetness.

Taste: Mild malt and slightly bitter from the hops. There is also a slight nuttiness.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with tingly carbonation and a dry finish.

Overall: The malt profile is nice. This is an alright beer, but not particularly interesting.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2012 22:36:41 | More by oline73

Ryanm1

Pennsylvania

3.03/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Nothing really stands out about this Irish red Ale. Note that almost everyone that reviewed it reviewed it as a "on tap" because I don't think they bottle it. I was in Boston around Labor Day 2011 and I had the pleasure of going to FJ Doyles in Boston, which is the bar that Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) provides free trolley service to after the tours.

The beer was a red color and the taste was fitting of a red ale. Descent amount of head on it but nothing stood out other than the fact you can't buy it in bottle form and it's rare to see anywhere. Not bad with some Chowder. On par with Killians Irish Red.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2012 23:14:40 | More by Ryanm1

pinotboy007

Virginia

3.53/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Very nice creamy, dense cap that recedes rather quickly with a bit lacing, too. Has a nice clear amber color with no noticeable carbonation.

S-Some wet leather, malt, and a bit of Earthiness,

T-Caramel with some light hops and leather with some very nice malt throughout.

M-Slick with no fizz; creamy, too. Medium weight to it, if that makes sense.

O-A more than decent effort worthy of your attention.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2011 20:07:24 | More by pinotboy007

JustinAniello

Connecticut

3.65/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours auburn with a thin head that slowly dissipates to a minimal lacing and cap.

S - Caramel and malt upfront with a light citrus aroma. Smells sweet.

T - Sweet, light caramel flavor. Heavy breadiness on the swallow with a very mild hop bitterness. Citrus in the background throughout.

M - Medium body, slightly heavy carbonation at first that lightens up over time. Nice for the style.

O - Very similar to their Boston Lager, with heavier malts and a lighter hop profile. A decent beer to at least try if you get a chance when you are in the Boston area.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2011 01:15:17 | More by JustinAniello

BEERMILER12

Maine

3.55/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had in the Boston area this past weekend, not exactly sure where.

A: Poured into a plastic cup, pours a reddish brown color with a small head that actually stayed for a few minutes before receding

S: Nice and malty with some backing hops. More on the dry side as well, not too sweet

T: Husky, toasted grains with a bittering hop presence. A little too much husk for me, almost reminded me of a cheap lager

M: Medium-full bodied with spot-on carbonation. Best part of the beer for me

O: Just an average irish red. I'd get it if you see it because of the limited aspect of it, but don't be disappointed if you're let down. Maybe it was the plastic cup for me, but who knows

Serving type: on-tap

11-07-2011 16:47:39 | More by BEERMILER12

gtermi

Texas

3.23/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I had this beer when we went on the tour at the BBC in Boston. The beer was a nice golden yellow color with a very thick head. The smell was pretty average. Got a bit of malt and tiny bit of hops. The taste was pretty average. To me it was like a watered down version of the Boston Lager. The Mouthfeel was nice. I got a good amount of crispness. Overall this beer is perfect for what it is meant for (local bars and restaurants). It isnt the best beer in the world, but I love the meaning of this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-18-2011 06:30:40 | More by gtermi

corylew

Oregon

3/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

It was aaite. I'm usually pretty quick to shut down a Jim Kosh beer, but this one was aaite. I had it at the Bell In Hand, supposedly the nations oldest tavern in Boston. We also had some Sam Boston Lagers around too, and came to the agreement that it was like they took the Boston Lager recipe and switched out yeasts and fermented it at 68 degrees. This isn't to say we didnt like it. The grain bill was solid, nice hop aroma and flavor, it looked pretty in its glass, it just didn't do much else for me that any other American style ale would do. Like I said though, I'd give it a solid aaite and probably order another if given the chance.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 03:50:33 | More by corylew

jsprain1

Minnesota

3.23/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- Pours a brick red, bordering on slightly brown. Virtually no head or lacing on it though.
S- Light caramel malts, a bit of sweetness, almost a honey character on the nose as well.
T- A bit of toasted grain at first, but then gets tremendously sweet, caramel and just a bit of earthy/woody notes in the finish.
M- Fuller body than most, much less carbonation than most in style.
O- Not all that impressive of a beer. Drinkable, but it's a bit of a disappointment considering how much I like most Sam Adams beers.

Serving type: on-tap

06-10-2011 21:22:31 | More by jsprain1

matjack85

Illinois

2.95/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

I tried this beer on tap at Cheers on my last trip to Boston on the advice of my server. She said it was only available in Boston and only for a limited time, so I ordered one.

The beer poured a beautifully clear dark brick red color from which it takes its name. Despite just a rim for a head, the beer left some decent lacing.

Unless my nose was off, I couldn't smell much of anything. Just a faint caramel malt aroma, and you really have to sniff hard to get that.

Flavor wise, the pale malts and caramel really come through, but the biggest surprise was how bitter this beer was. I'm not sure what hops were used, but there has to be a boatload of them in here. They don't just balance the beer - they overwhelm it. In this case I think it was too much of a good thing. I would have preferred less hops and more malt for this style beer, but that's me. If you're a hop hound you may fall in love with this one. For me, it was just OK, but give them credit for coming up with something absolutely unique.

The beer leans towards full bodied but with crisp carbonation so it doesn't feel so heavy.

While not one of my favorites, I would still recommend trying it once just because I haven't tasted anything else quite like it.

Serving type: on-tap

06-07-2011 19:45:38 | More by matjack85

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Didn't know anything about this beer until I got to the brewery in Boston last summer. The brewery was giving samples of this along with a few others. Since it's only sold in Boston I'll need to make my way back there if I ever want to have this beer again. The color of the beer is a deep red color with a pretty decent looking head on it. The lacing was sporadic along the glass. The smell has a pleasent aroma of hops and malts. The taste also has a hoppy and malty flavor. The mouthfeel is drinkable and just about medium bodied. Overall it's a good brew and really worth checking out when in Boston.

Serving type: on-tap

05-25-2011 23:19:44 | More by Knapp85

bierschmecktgut

Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Whiskey's on Boylston St.

Beer came with no head. It was filled to rim - i had to sip before i could attempt to smell.

Deep ruby brown - no head, no lacing.

Not much aroma popping off this brew. I let it warm up a bit and gave it a few swirls but nothing stood out.

well balanced with malt/hops, a grainy biscuit flavor that lingered on the palette - very nice.

medium body - on the lighter side- with good carbonation and a fairly dry finish.

I wish I didn't have restaurant distractions while trying this beer, but based on the taste it was great brew and was enjoyed with food but could easily be a session beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-18-2011 12:55:10 | More by bierschmecktgut

SuperSpy

Georgia

4.08/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at the Warren Tavern in Charlestown. A deep red color with a two-finger off-white head. the head doesn't stock around too long but it does maintain a nice foam cap.

Some sweetish caramel malt. Not much else in the nose but what's there is tasty.

Great medium body that pairs perfectly with the caramel and hints of chocolate. Some bitter hops towards the end and a semi-dry finish. Overall it is very good. One of the best I've had for the style.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2011 23:07:48 | More by SuperSpy

IronLover

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sampled earlier today at Epcot in Disney World. Light mahogany red in color with a short off-white head that reduced to a light cap. Plenty of sticky lacings. Malty caramel aroma with a very slight hint of floral hops. Medium bodied with pleasant carbonation. Big malty caramel flavor up front, dark cherry and grape fruit flavors through the middle, and light floral hop finish. Very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2011 03:18:54 | More by IronLover

Gehrig

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on tap at The Pour House on Boylston. Seeing this beer, only available in the Boston area, was more than enough to convince me to try it.

Two fat, luscious fingers of white froth top a clear, deep red body that leaves dense rings of white lace on the pint glass. Great presentation and appearance! Good aromas, with plenty of caramel and chocolate malt. Nice taste, subtly complex with chocolate, berry, and a distinct hoppy taste; really good.

Brick Red is a winner upon the mouthfeel--surprisingly hoppy and gritty; lots of texture and complexity. I am not sure what hops were used in this, but some of the "C's" come to mind, given the taste and texture--perhaps Chinook, Centennial, or Columbus. Regardless, very delicious and hoppy; better than I expected. Easy to down and easy to enjoy. Brick Red is a very good red, more hopped than one might expect and, as Sam Adams would likely produce, thoroughly delicious.

Certainly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2011 19:51:50 | More by Gehrig

nniicckkww

Florida

4.4/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap somewhere in Massachusetts. Rusty head with excellent retention. Nice malty aroma with a hint of hop. Very smooth with a subtle hop bite that balances out perfectly with the beers malt. Some chocolate malt? A nice, smooth Irish red. Great for the style. I could drink this all afternoon!

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2010 16:57:12 | More by nniicckkww

lordofthewiens

Maine

4/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Stopping at the America exhibit in Epcot for a beer. This was on tap. The server said it was only offered on tap, and only in Boston and Disney. Good beer.
Ruby red color, thick tan head, a good deal of lace. Very pretty.
Sweet, malty, caramel aroma.
Very much caramel malt taste, a hint of cherry.
The malt makes it to be on the heavier side, but it was a very nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2010 01:17:18 | More by lordofthewiens

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

3.68/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap 12/8/10 at British Beer Company in Walpole, MA, served in a Samuel Adams "perfect pint" glass.

A: The beer is a dark reddish brown color, with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is kind of faint but contains caramelized malts, some hops, some honey and some citrus.

T: The taste starts with a hearty mal character and then sweet flavors of honey, caramel and some citrus. The hops presence is decent for the style and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, mild kick, good representation of style, it might not be the best beer in the style but it's decent enough to be worth drinking for a while.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2010 02:00:28 | More by TheManiacalOne