Samuel Adams Boston Ale (Stock Ale)
I was really impressed with this sample. I'd had this years ago and didn't like it nearly as much as this time around. Aroma is largely roasted yet mild malt with a diacetyl quality. Pleasing. Orange-brown-gold amber. Clear. Fizzy with a one inch steady head. Nice complexity and mix of flavors. Starts soft and smooth and then intensifies through the drink. First, with ever increasing malt boldness, followed by hoppy sharpness and bitterness that makes up the middle and lingering finish. Nice changing of the flavors as temperature changes, eg. sweetness up front increases as warms. Very nice standard ale smoothness. Softness develops as warms. Carbonation may be a little too much which made it a bit too filling. The hops may prove to present too much for some as it overpowers the smooth malt quality of the middle. As for me, I liked this.