Samuel Adams Winter Lager Review

Samuel Adams' Winter Lager
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Samuel Adams is one of the biggest names in American beer after leading the craft brewing revolution that began in the 1980s. Now ubiquitous, the Boston Brew Company was started as a small operation by Jim Koch. The Massachusetts-based brewery has a long list of beers available, including many seasonal beers. When cold weather comes around, one the most popular Sam Adams brews is the Winter Lager.

About Sam Adams Winter Lager

Samuel Adams Winter Lager is a typical winter seasonal lager. It is bottom-fermented, brewed with Spalt Spalter and Hallertau Mittelfrueh noble hops and a two-row pale malt blend, and has that warming profile that we look for in cold season beers.

The nice thing about Winter Lager is that it is a very popular seasonal beer that continues to return year after year. Unlike some seasonal beers that can be hard to find, this is one that you can expect to appear in the beer cooler every November, just in time for holiday parties. Sam Adams also sells a winter variety pack that includes the lager as well as their Holiday Porter and Old Fezziwig.

One fun aspect of Winter Lager is that it is great with food and can be enjoyed with almost any winter cuisine. This is also a great lager to cook with—it is particularly useful in pork marinades. And don't forget about mixing a good cocktail, because this is a perfect lager for holiday punch recipes like wassail. The beer's spices are the perfect backdrop for rum and guests will love it.

Review of Samuel Adams Winter Lager

The bottle describes Winter Lager as a "rich and hearty dark lager" and "one of the finer pleasures of a winter evening." This brew would do better with a meal than as a session beer. The medium-full body and light spice mean it would pair well with hearty winter dishes like roasted meats and stews or spiced desserts like carrot cake and gingerbread.

What makes Winter Lager special is its seasonal spices. Cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel are added to give this lager that real seasonal flavor. The taste is reminiscent of the spices in a good mulled wine.

Tasting Notes

Sam Adams Winter Lager is dark copper or amber color. The nose is malty and hints of spicy hops. Its head is light brown, weak, and brief. The flavor is subtle, especially when compared to the nose. It has a maltiness to it and a full mouthfeel. It finishes nicely with a good spicy whack from the hops then a lingering malt sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a nice seasonal beer. The hint of spice and body make it a nice wintertime option, while the subtle flavor makes it a good pairing with a variety of cold-weather foods.

About Samuel Adams Winter Lager Beer

  • Full-bodied Winter Lager seasonal beer
  • Weizenbock brewed with noble hops and flavored with orange peel, ginger, and cinnamon
  • Brewed by the Boston Beer Company of Boston, Massachusetts
  • Available from November to January
  • 5.6% ABV
  • IBU: 22
  • Visit the website