Samuel Adams Boston Ale (Stock Ale)
Quite appealing to the eye. Light copper, or copper in the literal sense when it comes to color. head is a creamy egg white with very nice retention and formation at one finger. Some good lacing also. I'll say that Sam Adams, from the two that I've had today(different styles) seem to always have a great appearance, especially good head retention. Aroma of this beer has a strong malt backbone. A real grainy character in the nose along with hints of caramel and a very lightly toasted aroma. Don't really smell any of the hops. Perhaps I've got some bad batches of brew. I picked up a mixed 12 today, and both of these have had a real metallic flavor. Strong malt backbone right up front. Just a bit of flavor hops near the finish of this brew, not very much though, took me a while to notice it. Sweet and nicely balanced by the hops, though I'd prefer more hop flavor and aroma from an APA. And definitely less metallic taste. Nothing to brag about I'd rather SNPA, Burning River, Stone PA, Anchor Liberty, or Bell's Pale Ale. This one just doesn't do it. Medium-light bodied with perhaps just a bit too much carbonation, feels almost like I'm drinking a heavy soda. Finishes somewhat dry with a metallic tang. All in all mouthfeel is ok, I wouldn't call it average, but I don't think that it deserves below a three. Drinkability-there's much better out there, from just the few APAs I've sampled this I know. This just doesn't cut it.