# Trying Samuel Adams for the first time. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 7, 2013, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635 "2013-02-07T20:41:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/21 "2013-02-08T18:25:05Z")
Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale. Anyone else? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/22 "2013-02-08T18:41:53Z")
> [@SykoSkotty](#): > > If you like the Boston Lager, just wait 'til fall when the Octoberfest comes out. Best beer of the year, as far as the seasonal beers go. Yeah, I’d agree. I like their take on the style. I’ve also been a fan of their honey porter, but I don’t know if that’s still around. It’s not as “portery” as other porters, but I still enjoy it. The main one to avoid is the cranberry lambic, if that’s still being bottled. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/23 "2013-02-08T19:02:10Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale. > > Anyone else? I’m with you! I love Sour Ales. Though my fav is probably Duchesse De Bourgogne: [http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745](http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745) ---
**Author:** ![Flander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8c91f0/32.png) [@Flander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flander)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/24 "2013-02-08T19:05:53Z")
> [@SykoSkotty](#): > > If you like the Boston Lager, just wait 'til fall when the Octoberfest comes out. Best beer of the year, as far as the seasonal beers go. I came in to say this! It is great! Beck’s has one too, but I didn’t get a chance to try it. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/25 "2013-02-08T19:21:04Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > I’m with you! I love Sour Ales. Though my fav is probably Duchesse De Bourgogne: > > [http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745](http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745) I thought I loathed sours because the first one I ever tried was the Duchesse; tastes like piss from a yak that was fed a diet of straight vinegar. Absolutely vile stuff. However, I was on vacation in San Francisco, had a Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge ($16 for a pint. That’s what I’d consider expensive) and had to change my mind a bit. I’m still wary, but if one is recommended to me I’ll give it a go. ---
**Author:** ![FrankJBN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f0a364/32.png) [@FrankJBN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrankJBN)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/26 "2013-02-08T19:35:43Z")
"I don’t understand any sort of dishwater comparison, to be honest. " tastes of soap. ---
**Author:** ![FrankJBN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f0a364/32.png) [@FrankJBN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrankJBN)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/27 "2013-02-08T19:40:45Z")
“I don’t understand any sort of dishwater comparison” it tastes of soap to me. _shrug_ Different strokes. " Pretty much why I said “in my opinion” instead of just declaring the beer to be great as so many have. “remains my favorite lager” Who gives a shit? Just a different way of saying “shrug”. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/28 "2013-02-08T19:46:33Z")
> [@Floater](#): > > Many people would have problems labelling **those** as beer. 😃 Tell that Canadians, who will go great lengths trying to convince you that Moosehead and Labatt’s are > [@pulykamell](#): > > Golden Pheasant (Slovak) > Budvar (Czech) > Zywiec (Polish) > Okocim (Polish) > Tyskie (Polish) Yeah, most are hard to find outside those areas. Budvar (aka the original Budweiser) is semi-easy. It might be sold as “Czechvar.” I’ve _maybe_ seen Zywiec somewhere. I will go out on a limb here and say that the winter Sam Adams Chocolate Bock is great. It is chocolately, but not cloying. And I suggest trying any flavored beer before damning it. The original Chocolate stouts and porters are so named because they are “redolent of chocolate,” but actually contain no chocolate. Same with oyster stout, thank God. Newer ones actually put some chocolate/etc. in. The Sam Adams winter coffee beer (forget name) is not that great. On the other had, I just had a cappuccino stout, I think by Lagunitas. It was good, not coffee-y at all. Another reason why Texas is fucked up: several Sam Adams brews have an asterisk that says “Ale in TX.” FYI: a bock is a type of lager. Ales are made using completely different methods. But in Texas, everything over a certain alcohol content is a ale, even if made using lager yeasts! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/29 "2013-02-08T19:48:35Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > I’m with you! I love Sour Ales. Though my fav is probably Duchesse De Bourgogne: > > [http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745](http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/641/1745) Love it! Was at a tasting at [House of 1000 Beers](http://www.houseof1000beers.com/) that concentrated on sours. We had lambics, guezes, etc. What a night!🆒 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/30 "2013-02-08T19:51:40Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Budvar (aka the original Budweiser) is semi-easy. It might be sold as “Czechvar.” :smack: Yeah, it’s Czechvar, too, in these parts. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/31 "2013-02-08T19:54:24Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I will go out on a limb here and say that the winter Sam Adams Chocolate Bock is great. It is chocolately, but not cloying. And I suggest trying any flavored beer before damning it. The original Chocolate stouts and porters are so named because they are “redolent of chocolate,” but actually contain no chocolate. Same with oyster stout, thank God. Newer ones actually put some chocolate/etc. in. Yeah, there is a type of malt called “chocolate malt” for its color and somewhat its flavor. Sam Adams Chocolate bock does use actual cocoa nibs. I’m not particularly a fan of it myself, but it’s worth trying at least once. Oyster stout does have actual oysters in it, usually. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/32 "2013-02-08T19:56:28Z")
And, of course, there is [Rocky Mountain Oyster stout, too](http://laughingsquid.com/rocky-mountain-oyster-stout-beer-made-with-roasted-bull-balls/), made with bull testicles. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/33 "2013-02-08T21:52:44Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yeah, there is a type of malt called “chocolate malt” for its color and somewhat its flavor. Sam Adams Chocolate bock does use actual cocoa nibs. I’m not particularly a fan of it myself, but it’s worth trying at least once. > > Oyster stout does have actual oysters in it, usually. Well, many do not, like [Marston’s](http://www.marstonsbeercompany.co.uk/our_brands/marstons/oysterstout.asp). For some, it was a drink that they felt was appropriate when paired with oysters. I guess the poison store was out of stock. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/34 "2013-02-08T22:01:06Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Well, many do not, like [Marston’s](http://www.marstonsbeercompany.co.uk/our_brands/marstons/oysterstout.asp). For some, it was a drink that they felt was appropriate when paired with oysters. I guess the poison store was out of stock. Maybe, but, in my experience, most do have oysters or some oyster component to them. Marston’s is the major exception. You make it sound like brewing “oyster stout” with oysters is some sort of weird thing when, in fact, it’s what “oyster stout” commonly is. Google “oyster stout” or [read here](http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/12/27/getting-know-oyster-stout-beer-made-oysters) for more info. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2013, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/35 "2013-02-08T22:34:22Z")
One way to try some of the other beers mentioned would be to pick up an international variety pack. Around here they sell some at World Market and stores like that. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2013, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/36 "2013-02-09T02:17:20Z")
> [@bump](#): > > That’s what I was thinking as well. Beck’s isn’t unusually expensive really- about $9 per six-pack, which is the same ballpark (within a buck or so) of much better (IMO) German brands like Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pshorr and Hofbrau. Sadly (at least for certain values of sad), Beck’s isn’t even German anymore, at least in the US. AB InBev makes it here now and has apparently fucked the recipe up. [http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-25/the-plot-to-destroy-americas-beer](http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-25/the-plot-to-destroy-americas-beer) ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2013, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/37 "2013-02-09T04:10:47Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Also, try Pislner Urquell. I’ve had very mixed experiences with it here in the US. I don’t want to sound like one of those “the-beer-is-_totally_-different-over-there” types of drinkers, but it really is very different. I love Pilsner Urquell in the Czech Republic or neighboring countries. It just tases fresher, maltier, tastier. The stuff I’ve gotten in the US has almost invariably been a disappointment. You’re not the only person who thinks that, BTW. It really is divine stuff in Prague or the surrounding area, but gets steadily worse the farther away you get. On our honeymoon, I had PU in Prague, Vienna, Budapest and London, and then once I got back, and it was more sharp and bitter the farther away I got. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2013, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/38 "2013-02-09T04:12:22Z")
> [@SykoSkotty](#): > > If you like the Boston Lager, just wait 'til fall when the Octoberfest comes out. Best beer of the year, as far as the seasonal beers go. And a fairly atrocious Oktoberfest as well. Way, way too much roasted malt flavor, and not enough malt. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/39 "2013-02-09T15:39:13Z")
The Oktoberfest is worth a try. I like it a lot. It’s not an Ayinger or Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, but it’s still pretty lovely, in my opinion. One of my favorite beers of their line-up. ---
**Author:** ![SykoSkotty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@SykoSkotty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SykoSkotty)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2013, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635/40 "2013-02-09T16:42:35Z")
I’d also like to add that a few seasons ago there was a Bonfire Rauchbier in the seasonal pack - haven’t seen it recently but I loved it. It had a smoky, almost chipotle - like after taste. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-samuel-adams-for-the-first-time/649635.md?page=3)