No stranger to revolutions, Samuel Adams, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., has once again mirrored the rebellious traits of its namesake and crafted Sam ’76, a union of lager and ale. Brewed using a unique process, Sam ’76 captures the best attributes of these two beer style, the company says
Born in Samuel Adams’ experimental nano-brewery in Boston, it took more than a year of testing and 60 different brews for the brewers to perfect the harmonious balance of Sam ’76. To create the refreshing and flavorful beer, the Samuel Adams brewers began with two active fermentations — a base lager and a base ale — each with their own respective yeast strains. The base beers were brewed, then combined during a final maturation step when both yeast depend on each other during a tag team fermentation. The combination of multiple yeast strains and dry-hopping during a late stage of fermentation creates an array of flavors not possible in a typical brewing process, according to the company.
At 4.7 percent alcohol by volume, Sam ’76 is a refreshing, easy-to-drink brew that has a standout flavor and aromatics with a clean finish, the company says. Sam ’76 unites the two styles for a beer that delivers the flavor and character of an ale with the clean, crisp finish of a lager. Craft beer drinkers will be surprised during their first sip, which begins with a rich hop character that transitions to a clean, smooth and refreshing aftertaste, it says. The combination of American Cascade, Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops in Sam ’76 imparts a tropical citrus aroma that gives way to a bright, juicy citrus hop flavor without overpowering the palate with a strong hop bitterness, it adds.
“We’ve brewed a revolutionary beer that brings together the best attributes of lager and ale with a taste and aroma that will completely surprise any craft beer drinker,” said Jim Koch, founder and brewer for The Boston Beer Co., in a statement. “We wanted to offer drinkers a craft beer they can enjoy during any drinking occasion, from a tailgate to an afternoon with friends, and that’s exactly what Sam ’76 delivers. It took many iterations to get right, but with one sip you’ll understand why this beer is so unique.”
Sam ’76 is available nationwide in six-packs of aluminum cans for a suggested retail price of $8.99-$9.99, 12-packs of cans for a suggested retail price of $15.99-$17.99, and 16-ounce single-serve cans for a suggested retail price of $1.99-$2.49. Prices for each package vary by market.
