Our Score: 97/100
Samuel Adams Black Lager: A Malt-Forward Delight
When it comes to classic German beers, you’d be hard-pressed to find one with more historical significance than a schwarzbier. Hailing from as far back as 800 BCE, this timeless brew serves as a delightful reminder of the depth and breadth of beer culture amongst German brewers. The Samuel Adams Black Lager, a commendable representation of this iconic style, is a treat for all beer lovers.
What The Brewers Say
The brewers of Samuel Adams have described schwarzbier as a “black beer”, a simple yet apt description for what this centuries-old offering stands for. The Black Lager is said to pair caramel and chocolate malt notes with a bright flavor, all rounded-off by a crisp finish that will leave you reaching for another bottle.
Aroma: Dive Into A Beautiful Confluence Of Scents
The aroma of this beer is a delightful assault on the senses. There’s a moderate-rich bread crust scent, expertly blended with the more subtle notes of chocolate and coffee. This bready aroma is perfectly balanced with a very low caramel malt smell and a faint whiff of roast. You’d be hard-pressed to trace a hint of hops in this brew, making it an impressively clean concoction on the nose.
Flavor: A Symphony Of Tastes
The Black Lager’s rich bread-crust melanoidin malt flavor is ever-present, supported by a moderate sweetness and low bitterness. Hints of herbal and grassy hops are detectable, but they are SO subtle, they only enhance the main flavor profile. It surprises you with its molasses, peat smoke, chocolate-coated orange, bread crust, and stewed prunes flavors. Bonus points for its clean lager fermentation characteristics that lend it a fresh finish, with just the right amount of roasted malt and smoke. But don’t worry, it never veers into being too smoky or peaty. As for the body, it is quite light, making it a highly drinkable brew.
Overall: Malt-Forward But Perfectly Balanced
Samuel Adams Black Lager is certainly malt-forward, but subtly so. There’s a hint of light hops flavor present, just enough to offer a counterpoint to the dominant malt. The result is a very drinkable and tasty beer that keeps you hooked from the first sip to the last. All in all, this brew is rich, balanced, and an absolute pleasure to drink.
What Our Editors Thought
Top marks to Samuel Adams for delivering on this classic German style beer with such finesse and mastery. The Black Lager is the epitome of a well-rounded brew – rich yet light, bold yet balanced, flavorful yet clean. It’s an exceptional blend of everything a beer lover seeks in a satisfactory pint.
Final Verdict: An Outstanding Brew That Will Transport You Straight To A Traditional German Beer House
Scoring an exceptional 97 out of 100, there really isn’t much to critique with Samuel Adams Black Lager. From scent to sip, it’s a sophisticated brew that both novices and beer connoisseurs would appreciate. If you’re looking to venture out of your beer comfort zone, give this one a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
‘ll definitely enjoy this one.
Taste: Well-rounded and Flavorful
Upon taking the first sip, you’ll instantly be greeted with a rich and complex taste. The balance between the bread and caramel flavors is impeccable, making this black lager a truly malt-forward delight. Undertones of chocolate and coffee further enhance the flavors, creating a well-rounded and satisfying taste with every sip.
The Verdict: A Must-Try Schwarzbier
Overall, the Samuel Adams Black Lager is a top-notch schwarzbier that brings together the best of German brewing traditions and techniques. Its rich aroma, complex taste, and crisp finish make it a must-try for all beer lovers. With a score of 97 out of 100, this brew is definitely worth adding to your beer list.
Score: 97/100
A beer packed with flavor and aroma, the Samuel Adams Black Lager is a true representation of the iconic schwarzbier style. Definitely one to try for all beer connoisseurs.
Can forget about drinking this beer in a hurry- basking in the gorgeous scents is reason enough to take your time.
Overall, the Samuel Adams Black Lager is a true malt-forward delight that pays homage to the rich history of German beers. With a score of 97/100, it is a top-notch brew that should not be missed by any beer enthusiast.