- Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a medium-bodied lager with a refreshing yet rich flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers.
These days, when you go to any of the best liquor stores in the country or the beer section of your local grocery store chain, you’ll likely encounter a slew of craft beers that feature unexpected flavors and styles guaranteed to satisfy the most beer-curious among us. But, sometimes, you might just be craving a simple, accessible beer that you know everyone at the party is going to like. This is when a lager like Samuel Adams Boston Lager comes in clutch. It’s relatively light and refreshing, but it also has a medium-bodied richness to it that makes it a bit more interesting than lighter-style lagers out there.
And, sure, you can always grab some Sam Adams when you’re in the mood for that specific flavor profile, but why not expand your beer horizons with a few Samuel Adams lager-adjacent options? We spoke with a few experts, including Bridget Fahey, owner of The Wander Bar; Michael Bourke, co-owner of Philosophers & Fools in Charleston, SC; Jeff Patten, co-founder of Flatiron Wines & Spirits in NYC; and Lee Cleghorn, co-founder and head brewer of Outer Range Brewing Co., to learn more about popular beers that are relatively similar to what Samuel Adams Boston Lager has to offer. Your next favorite brew might just be on this list.
Burial Precious Czech-style Amber Lager
If you love rich, malty flavors in a lager, then chances are you’re going to want to learn more about Michael Bourke’s of Philosophers and Fools recommendation. It’s Burial Precious Czech-style Amber Lager from Burial Beer Co. in Asheville, NC — a city that’s known for its commitment to incredible craft beers and one of the U.S. cities that all beer lovers should visit. So, what’s so appealing about this beer for drinkers who already know that they love Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
According to Bourke, “It gives the drinker the maltiness of Boston Lager while still having a slight bitter edge to it that Sam Adams’ does.” But the two beers aren’t exactly the same. You can expect a slightly different flavor profile from this craft selection. “A bit lighter in body than Boston Lager, it is easy drinking while still giving enough body to hold up to the expectations of a Sam Adams drinker,” explains Bourke. If you’re in the Asheville area, you should definitely visit Burial Beer Co. to give this beer a try. Otherwise, you can always order it online if you want to give it a taste.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Looking for a slightly more accessible beer that’s similar to Samuel Adams’ Boston Lager? Although Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is still technically known as a craft brewery, its relatively large-scale production and distribution means that you can find it across much of the country. That means you’re probably not going to have a very hard time finding some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale at your nearest bottle shop. This is the beer, Sierra Nevada says, that started the craft beer revolution. It also just happens to be an excellent choice if you like Sam Adams Boston Lager…