Beer is as old as civilization itself, and may have even been a major factor in the development of civilization through the domestication of crops!  Although Sam Adams has only been around for a few years (since 1985), they have changed the world of beer.  I'm not a Sam Adams employee, or anything like that, just a fan of great beer!  Beer recipes have been found from thousands of years ago, in Mesopotamia and other ancient locations, and still are being improved today.  However, some beers stand above the others; I love Sam Adams beer for the flavor, the variety, and the attention they pay to protecting the flavor of the beer.  For instance, Sam Adams only uses pry-off tops on their bottles to keep out oxygen, and only uses brown bottles and taller six-pack packaging to prevent light from ruining your beer!  I've compiled a list of the varieties that I have tried, information on these beers, and my personal favorites.  If you have your own personal microbrew favorites, it is possible thanks to the contributions of Sam Adams - without Sam Adams, we'd all be drinking the same generic-tasting beers!  If you appreciate this information, please let me know by voting for it.  I'll keep adding more information about the beers (from my own personal research, of course) as long as Sam Adams keeps coming up with new varieties.

Year-Round Varieties:

You can find these beers most of the year, pretty much anywhere.  Some of these are usually found only in 6-pack or 12-pack mix packs that are sold in most quality grocery stores.  I'll note these "mix pack only" varieites with a star (*)

• Boston Lager - This is a good beer!  It is rich and full-bodied, but well-balanced.  This is where I'd recommend any beer-lover to start.  If you haven't been drinking Sam Adams, then you'll soon see what you're missing!

• Boston Ale - Slightly fruity, slightly spicy...it is better than most of the major beers from other labels, but not my favorite Sam Adams' beer.  It's just not as flavorful as I like. 

• Light - It is pretty good for light beer, but I'd rather skimp on calories somewhere else and get a better tasting beer, such as the Boston Lager or Winter Lager.

• Cherry Wheat - A slight cherry flavor mixed with plenty of wheat flavor.  It is a great beer for warmer weather; thankfully, it isn't overly sweet, and has just a hint of cherry.  Great smell and taste.  Definitely one of my favorites in the summer.

• Cream Stout - This beer is smooth and enjoyable.  It is nice looking as well because the head contrasts nicely with the dark beer.  Complex tastes with caramel and chocolate malts.

• Hefeweizen* - a fruity, hazy wheat ale that is full of flavor!

• Pale Ale - again, it is better than many other major-label beers, but not enough for me.  I think of Pale Ale as Sam Adams' "Light Tasting Beer."

• Scotch Ale* - This is an interesting beer!  It has many complex flavors, including a peat-smoked malt (hence the "scotch").  It has more of a bitter flavor than other Sam Adams beers, but is quite enjoyable.  I wouldn't recommend it for a novice beer-drinker, however.

• Black Lager* - This is the epitomy of smooth beer.  Imagine black silk going down your throat, and you've got Black Lager.  Lots of flavor in this beer, but never bitter.  I have seen this beer in a six-pack only a couple times, so I'm still counting it as a mostly mix-pack beer.  You may be able to find it easier in your area.

• Brown Ale* - An interesting and quite good, flavorful beer.  It has good taste, without overwhelming bitterness - another good beer for the beginner.

• Honey Porter* - A porter balanced with the sweetness of honey!  Honey has been used in brewing for thousands of years, so it stands to reason that it tastes great in beer!  Porters were the brew favored by the working class (and poorer) people; the name "Porter" comes from what these people were called.

• Irish Red* - This is a nice deep red ale; it has a malty sweetness that reminds me of the Octoberfest Beer.  I found it in a Brewmaster's Collection 12-pack just this year (2008).  I wouldn't want a whole six-pack of it, but it isn't bad. 

Seasonal Varieties:

You can only find these around the seasons described:

• Summer Ale - slight lemon flavor in this light ale; it also includes an ancient brewing spice, Grains of Paradise - I prefer heavier fare without the lemon flavor, but it is pretty refreshing.

• Octoberfest (fall) - a fairly hearty flavor - nice orangy color due to the hops.  Has a slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of caramel and toffee.  This is my second favorite seasonal beer.

• Winter Lager - MY FAVORITE BEER!  Winter Lager is a hearty wheat ale that uses many different flavors including cinnamon, orange, ginger, etc.  It has a complex flavor, and so goes well with many dishes, including hearty winter foods and even desserts!  You haven't had a beer until you've tried Winter Lager!  I don't care how cold it gets, the Winter Lager makes winter worth it.

• White Ale (Spring) - This ale has left the yeast unfiltered, which gives it a interesting texture and look that you won't find in most beers.  It is also slightly fruity, as well.  This is my third favorite seasonal beer.

Winter Classics Mix Pack Varieties:

You can only find these varieties as part of the mix pack, usually available at Sam's Club or better liquor/beer stores.  The Winter Classics Pack also includes Winter Lager and other standard beers.  Start looking for the Winter Classics Pack early and often - I was unable to find it this year, much to my dismay. 

• Old Fezziwig Ale - many different flavors; imagine combining all your favorite winter spices into one, and you've got an idea of how good this beer is!

• Cranberry Lambic - Ok, I can't love them all, can I?  I really don't like this beer, but the rest of the Holiday sampler makes it well worth it.  This one is too fruity for my tastes - it has a distinctive sour cranberry taste, with a lot of sweetness, and wheat.  If you want "fruity," then have one of those horrible wine coolers - leave my beer alone!  If Sam Adams made Cranberry Lambic more like the Cherry Wheat, with just a hint of cranberry and sweetness, then it could be really good...unfortunately, it is nothing like Cherry Wheat.  I give (or throw) all of mine away when I buy the Winter Classics Mix Pack, but you may find out you like it.

• Holiday Porter - porter was the brew favored by the working classes (porters) in Europe.  This full-bodied beer is smooth and dark - and oh, so tasty!

Sam Adams offers other higher quality and alcohol content beers, but most cannot be sold or even shipped legally in my state (South Carolina), nor can I afford most of them.  Sorry, but no reviews available for what I haven't tried.  If you've enjoyed this guide, please vote accordingly.  Thanks for your time!

If you have questions, comments, or anything else, please message me!  I'll be happy to hear your opinions!  I'm always looking for new brands and varieties to try, so if you have some suggestions, I'd love to hear them!