Boston Beer Co. -- Samuel Adams Harvest Collection -- Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Irish Red, Bonfire Rauchbier, Black Lager, Octoberfest, Boston Lager

Now that its November 4th and I've already received an email ad from BevMo for Sam Adams Winter Collection, I guess its time to finish up the Harvest Collection.  The beginning of  last month we had people over (same night as the Bacon Maple Ale) and we picked up this Sam Adams Harvest Collection 24-pack at Costco for about $20.

I feel like Samuel Adams beers, brewed by Boston Beer Co., need no introduction.  In case you don't know, Boston Beer Co. is the largest craft brewer in the county.  Actually, since Anheuser-Busch was acquired by In-Bev (sold out if you will) that leaves Boston Beer Co. as the largest American-owned beer company.  Its so big its even traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Anyway, not many people know the name "Boston Beer Co." but "Samuel Adams" is a huge brand name so they're smart to market all these different beers under the Sam Adams name.  With that said, and the wild success of the Boston Lager, they also don't stray too far flavor wise from the Boston Lager taste.  Each of the style of beers in the harvest collection is distinct enough, but they're all fairly malty and light in body like the Boston Lager.

Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Box's claim: "This ale has a subtle spice note complemented by real pumpkin and a distinct roasted malt character."

Not as spicy as KBC Pumpkin Ale.  Its like a cross between a darker version of regular Sam Adams and a brown ale with a little pumpkin flavor.  Its malty and a little bitter.  If you're looking for a pumpkin ale this one is pretty good.

Samuel Adams Irish Red

Box's claim: "This ale has a distinct caramel flavor, balanced by a pronounced hop bitterness."

Reddish-brown in color.  It has a caramel and malty flavor.  This one is more bitter than other Sam Adams beers and has more of a linger.

Samuel Adams Bonfire Rauchbier

Box claim: "This ale is a dark malty, smoked brew with deep caramel and toffee notes."

Dark brown in color and officially very smokey flavored.  This is like drinking a malty-campfire.  In three words: malty, toffee, and burnt.  I thought it was interesting to say the least.  It's different, definitely the most different in the group from the Boston Lager, so I think its worth trying.

Samuel Adams Black Lager

Box claim: "This beer is smooth and malty with a deep roasted character and dry finish."

This is black color and tastes to me like a porter.  It tastes like dark roasted malts, has some burnt flavor, and a very short linger.

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Box claim: "This ale is brewed with five varieties of malted barley for a big, rich flavor."


More malty and more like an amber ale with caramel flavor.  Its fuller in body and less hoppy than a normal Sam Adams.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

Box claim: "This beer is full-flavored with a balance of malty sweetness contrasted by hop spiciness and a smooth finish."

Reviewing regular Sam Adams Boston Lager is almost like trying to review Budweiser because its so prevalent across the U.S.  For those who don't know or who want it put in perspective, its a light copper color and it's balanced - light hops, but a little more on the malty side.  It's not an amazing beer, but its better than a lot that is out there, and for many (unfortunately) its their only exposure to craft beer.

Kiki made my pumpkin drink pumpkin ale.  Her's is eating the little pumpkin.  Sense a theme?

In conclusion, a Sam Adams collection is a good way to play it safe with craft beer.  It's generally good, not-too-mind-blowing, it's usually pretty reasonably priced, and if you're having a party it will appeal to the masses.