Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the beer that helped kick-start the American craft revolution when it launched in 1984. It is a Vienna-style amber lager, brewed with hand-selected Noble hops and a blend of two-row malts, and it is a world away from the pale adjunct macros. It is full-flavored, balanced and genuinely interesting, and it remains the flagship of the Boston Beer Company. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and why it still matters.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager at a glance
| Style | Vienna-style amber lager |
| ABV | 5.0% |
| Calories | Around 175 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 18g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Boston Beer Company, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, two-row barley malts, Noble hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $15 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Boston Lager is a full-flavored amber lager, with real malt body, a firm hop bitterness and a caramel richness that puts it in a different class from the pale macros.
The full review
It pours a rich amber with a thick, creamy off-white head. The aroma is generous and inviting, full of caramel and toasted malt with a clear floral, spicy Noble hop note over the top. This smells like a proper beer, not a light lager.
On the palate it delivers. There is a solid caramel and toasted malt body up front, balanced by a firm, clean hop bitterness that keeps it from being sweet, and a lingering, slightly spicy hop finish. It is full-flavored and complex without being heavy, and the balance between malt and hops is excellent.
That richness makes it a superb food beer, standing up to burgers, roast meats and strong cheeses in a way no pale macro can. It rewards slow sipping, and it is satisfying and characterful throughout. Decades on, it still holds up as a benchmark amber lager.
Value is excellent. It costs about the same as the premium imports but delivers far more flavor, body and craft character, which makes it one of the best-value beers of its kind on the shelf.
The beer that showed America a lager could have real flavor.
- Rich, full malt body with caramel and toast
- Firm, balanced Noble hop bitterness
- Complex and satisfying without being heavy
- Excellent with food and superb value
- Higher in calories than pale lagers
- Too full-flavored for those who want a light beer
- Best fresh, as hop character fades
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a full-flavored, malty amber lager with real craft character. If you like this, a Yuengling or a Modelo Negra are natural next pours.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager FAQs
What does Samuel Adams Boston Lager taste like?
Rich and malty with caramel and toasted malt, balanced by a firm, spicy Noble hop bitterness and a clean finish. Full-flavored and complex without being heavy.
How strong is Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
It is 5.0% ABV, standard-strength for a lager.
How many calories are in Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
Around 175 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 18g of carbs, higher than a pale macro because of its fuller malt body.
What style is Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
It is a Vienna-style amber lager, brewed with two-row malts and Noble hops.
Is Samuel Adams Boston Lager vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malts, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Samuel Adams Boston Lager gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Why is Samuel Adams Boston Lager important?
It launched in 1984 and helped kick-start the American craft beer movement, showing that a US lager could be full-flavored and characterful.
What food goes with Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
Its rich malt and firm hops stand up to burgers, roast meats, grilled food and strong cheeses.
Where to buy Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a genuinely excellent amber lager: rich and malty, well hopped and beautifully balanced, with real craft character and superb value. It is higher in calories than a pale macro and too full-flavored for anyone chasing a light beer, but those are the wrong reasons to pass on it. A very strong four out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our best lager beers guide.
See where Samuel Adams Boston Lager lands against its rivals in our American lager guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a Vienna-style amber lager, at 5.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
Samuel Adams Boston Lager has an ABV of 5.0%.
How many calories are in Samuel Adams Boston Lager?
Samuel Adams Boston Lager has Around 175 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Samuel Adams Boston Lager gluten free?
Samuel Adams Boston Lager: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Samuel Adams Boston Lager have carbs?
Yes, Samuel Adams Boston Lager has Around 18g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Samuel Adams Boston Lager 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.
How much does Samuel Adams Boston Lager cost?
Samuel Adams Boston Lager typically runs Around $9 to $15 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Samuel Adams Boston Lager 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 Lager?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Vienna-style amber lager like Samuel Adams Boston Lager. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
