Samuel Adams helped kick off the American craft revival in the 1980s, and while Boston Lager is the flagship, Boston Ale is a lovely, often-overlooked amber ale. It is smooth and malty with a gentle spicy hop character, an easy, balanced beer from a genuine craft pioneer. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Samuel Adams Boston Ale at a glance
| Style | American amber ale |
| ABV | 5.4% |
| Calories | Around 170 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Boston Beer Co, Boston, USA |
| Character | Toasty caramel malt, spicy hops, smooth |
| Best served | Cold, in a glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, malty amber ale with a gentle spicy hop character.
The full review
It pours a clear amber-copper with a soft off-white head. The aroma is malty and inviting, toasty caramel malt with a light spicy, floral hop note.
The flavour is smooth and balanced. There is a toasty caramel and biscuit malt base, a gentle spicy and floral hop character and a clean, moderately bitter finish. It is a touch fuller and spicier than a standard amber, with the quality you expect from Samuel Adams.
It is not as famous as Boston Lager, but it is a well-made, characterful amber ale that deserves more attention. At 5.4% it is smooth and satisfying, an easy, dependable American ale.
A classic, well-made American amber ale from one of the pioneers of US craft brewing. A solid, reliable pint.
Boston Ale is a lovely, often-overlooked amber ale from a genuine craft pioneer.
- A well-made American amber ale
- Toasty caramel malt with a spicy hop lift
- Smooth and balanced
- From a craft-beer pioneer
- Overshadowed by Boston Lager
- Not the most distinctive amber
Who it is for
If you want a smooth, malty, well-made American amber ale, Boston Ale is an underrated pick. Perfect for easy, everyday drinking.
Samuel Adams Boston Ale FAQs
What is the difference between Samuel Adams Boston Ale and Boston Lager?
Boston Lager is the famous flagship, a Vienna-style amber lager. Boston Ale is an amber ale, so it is top-fermented and a touch fuller and spicier. Both are smooth, malty and balanced, but the ale is warmer and rounder in character.
What does Samuel Adams Boston Ale taste like?
A toasty caramel and biscuit malt base with a gentle spicy, floral hop character and a clean, moderately bitter finish. It is smooth, balanced and a touch fuller than a standard amber.
How strong is Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
It is 5.4% ABV, a standard-strength amber ale that stays smooth and drinkable.
Where to buy Samuel Adams Boston Ale
Samuel Adams Boston Ale is available across much of the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Samuel Adams Boston Ale is a smooth, malty, well-made American amber ale with toasty caramel malt and a spicy hop lift. An underrated classic from a genuine craft pioneer.
FAQs
Who makes Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
Samuel Adams Boston Ale is brewed by Boston Beer Co (an independent, publicly traded company founded by Jim Koch).
What kind of beer is Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
Samuel Adams Boston Ale is an American amber ale, at 5.4% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
Samuel Adams Boston Ale has an ABV of 5.4%.
How many calories are in Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
Samuel Adams Boston Ale has Around 170 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Samuel Adams Boston Ale gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Samuel Adams Boston Ale is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Samuel Adams Boston Ale taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Samuel Adams Boston Ale made?
Samuel Adams Boston Ale is brewed by Boston Beer Co in Boston, USA. For more from that country, see our best Usa beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
If you can’t find Samuel Adams Boston Ale, New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is a close alternative in the same American amber ale category.
How do I open Samuel Adams Boston Ale without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Samuel Adams Boston Ale?
Cold, in a glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
