Sunday, October 05, 2003

SAM'S YOUR MAN

Sainsbury's in East Dulwich are currently selling bottles of Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Being a quoffer of the good "Patriot Brewer's" amber fluid during my years in DC, I picked up a few bottles in this week's shop.



In complete contrast to some of the foulest muck that has the temerity to call itself beer - yes, this Bud's on you - Sam is a pleasant balanced dark lager with a good hoppy and malt flavour. Served not too cold to kill it's taste - the only way to drink MGD (whilst holding nose), by the way - this is probably the best mass produced beer in the US.

Now, this is not the first time I've seen US beers other than the industrially produced lagers of Anheuser-Busch, Mr Coors (probably the worst of the lot) and the High Life bunch plied in a London supermarket. In my short time living in E4, the local Safeway on Roman Road (as about East End as you get) once sold Liberty Ale from the Anchor Steam Brewery.

Anyway, I'm halfway through my first bottle. Does it bring back memories? Sort of. But, even at £1.09 a throw, that's a good deal cheaper than the $4 usually charged by the bars in G-town.

You'll note that the label does not feature the face of Samuel Adams, "Patriot Brewer". Sam was part of the fanous Boston Adams clan of Revolutionary times. John and John Quincy were Presidents. Sam, apparently took over the family brewery and ran it into the ground. Fortunately, the name survives and they produce a good brew in his name.

Cheers.

:: Posted by pete @ 14:14