9 replies to this topic

[CaptRon]

Man, I just had a SA Boston Lager for the first time in a long while tonight. Didn't purposely alienate it, just been on to other things. I had forgotten what an exceptional brew this is. It makes me want to try my hand at a lager.

[Big Nake]

At my weekly bowling league, the beer selection is a little small. One guy who bowls with me likes Dos Equis Amber Lager so we'll hammer buckets of those. But occasionally I will head off the path and hit Sam Adams Boston Lager and I agree that it's outstanding. It seems weird that homebrewers would gush over this beer, but it's really nice all the way around. I know for sure that Wyeast 2206 Bavarian would be the yeast... I recognize it. The label also says that they use Hallertau Mittelfruh as the finishing hops which seems reasonable. I think I have a recipe in a book someplace if you want it. The "heavy" and malty taste you're getting is from that 2206 yeast and I wouldn't attempt the beer without that yeast. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you tried to make this beer. There's also a MAKING LAGERS page on my site that has a few do's and don'ts about lagers... link below. Cheers.

[CaptRon]

At my weekly bowling league, the beer selection is a little small. One guy who bowls with me likes Dos Equis Amber Lager so we'll hammer buckets of those. But occasionally I will head off the path and hit Sam Adams Boston Lager and I agree that it's outstanding. It seems weird that homebrewers would gush over this beer, but it's really nice all the way around. I know for sure that Wyeast 2206 Bavarian would be the yeast... I recognize it. The label also says that they use Hallertau Mittelfruh as the finishing hops which seems reasonable. I think I have a recipe in a book someplace if you want it. The "heavy" and malty taste you're getting is from that 2206 yeast and I wouldn't attempt the beer without that yeast. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you tried to make this beer. There's also a MAKING LAGERS page on my site that has a few do's and don'ts about lagers... link below. Cheers.

Yeah, if you have it handy I'd give it a try for my first lager. That way I have a comparison when it is all done to see how I did.

[Big Nake]

They suggest all American 2-row (9 lbs) and then 8 oz of Crystal 60°L. But they also say that Boston Beer Company uses a decoction on this beer so they're probably getting a little extra color out of it. I'd go with the 8 oz of crystal, but I might go with Crystal 80 or 90 instead. Then they say about 8 AAU of Tettnanger for 60 mins, 1/2 oz of Hallertau Mittelfruh for 15 and 1/2 oz of Tettnanger for 2 minutes along with another 1/4 oz of Hallertau Mittelfruh as a dry hop. Then 2206 Bavarian for the yeast. Mash temp 150°, IBUs 35, ABV 5%. Seems reasonable to me. The beer does have a nice, late hop flavor and aroma that keeps working for you. Seems like the only curveball would be the decoction and I would be happy to attempt that part of it. But a single infusion at 150° along with slightly darker crystal would be just fine. Please keep us posted & good luck.Ps. I am 100% sure of the yeast on this beer (2206). It has a distinct flavor and this beer has it. The hops are a coin flip, the label says Hallertau Mittelfruh, but it's a matter of how they use them, how much and when. Cheers.

[boo boo]

Boston lager is Ok alright. Yesterday I picked up a 6 er of SA Octoberfest. Haven't had a chance to try it yet asI'm on call for a week and can't drink. look out next weekend.

[ncbeerbrewer]

SA Ofest is already out for the year? Its only going to be June 1 on Monday and I thought the commercial guys stuck to those seasonal timelines pretty close. Hope you enjoy the beer though of course.

[Lagerdemain]

SABL - it ain't what it once was, that's for sure! I've found that I can only tolerate it in bottles any more, but it's still a great product if you can find it on draft.

[CaptRon]

SABL - it ain't what it once was, that's for sure! I've found that I can only tolerate it in bottles any more, but it's still a great product if you can find it on draft.

The applebees and chilis have it on draft here. I know what you mean, I think snpa is a lot better from tap too - way better actually.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

Boston lager is Ok alright. Yesterday I picked up a 6 er of SA Octoberfest. Haven't had a chance to try it yet asI'm on call for a week and can't drink. look out next weekend.

I find it a little too sweet but then again it's not entirely traditional. I really like the big German brewery O'Fests.

[boo boo]

Well I had to try ONE last night. Didn't find much difference between that and their Boston Lager.At least what I remember it tasting like.Not bad all the same.