Sam Adams Winter Lager? ($7.99 for a six-pack at Hannaford)
Ah, yes, 'tis the season for the beloved winter ales. Though I'm not a huge fan of the strong taste that characterizes most Sam Adams brews, I had heard good things about their winter lager and decided to give it a try. Called a "winter warmer," this seasonal beverage provides the drinker with a taste that is designed for the colder months, with its "powerful malt taste and hints of cinnamon." This is where the "warmer" comes in, utilizing the warming effect of a Colt 45 malt profile while managing to steer clear of the melted plastic aftertaste associated with Colt.
For many years, winter lagers were rumored to be brewed with 25 to 30 snowflakes per bottle in order to give the brew the most authentic taste possible (and to keep it cold). I emailed the Boston Beer Company, where Sam Adams is brewed, to investigate this rumor. I have yet to hear back. This beer is as heavy as regular Sam Adams but lacks the bitterness, a welcome change for those of us who don't like beer with too much bite. My scores: Taste: 4.2, Partyability: 2.4, Benefit/Cost: 3.8.
Saranac Black & Tan? ($7.29 for a six-pack)
For my birthday, I was lucky enough to receive a bucket full of cleaning supplies and a six-pack of beer from my loving parents. After giving my apartment a good scrub-down, I cracked open a tall bottle of Saranac's famous Black & Tan and enjoyed the blend of dark ale and light lager as I basked in the cleanest bathroom on campus.
Brewed by the Matt Brewing Company in upstate New York, Saranac has established itself as the Shipyard of my neck of the woods, continually wowing audiences with top quality beer. This brew was remarkably smooth for a prepackaged B&T, virtually eliminating the typical grainy taste that comes from traditional concoctions. When poured, this beer also has a lighter hue than many of its siblings, a possible insight into why there is less of the dark ale's aggressive aftertaste.
After explaining the science behind a B&T, Al Hughes '07 remarked, "How can they make a beer that's black and tan at the same time?"
This was a fair question, and I still don't have an answer. In any case, if you enjoy a good black and tan I highly recommend this one. But if you can't get your hands on one, you can make your own by mixing Guinness and Harp Lager. My scores: Taste: 4.1, Partyability: 1.5, Benefit/Cost: 3.6.
Miller Lite?($4.99 for a six-pack at Hannaford)
Finally, a beer that has great taste and is less filling! Unfortunately this notion, purported by Miller Lite's marketing department, is false. Indeed, one bottle will reveal the taste to be very similar to other mass-produced light lagers.
In its defense, Miller Lite manages to squeeze a few drop of flavor into each can. However, this flavor is the work of a corn-like sweetener. It's as if they took Miller High Life and put a third of the taste into it. Good news, though: Miller Lite only has 3.2 grams of carbs (Coors Light has 5 grams, Bud Light has 6.6 grams) and manages to deliver a mere 96 calories per beer (that's six less than Coors Light, 14 fewer than Bud Light).
Mike Crowley '06 was relieved to hear this news, saying, "It's good to know that there is something to drink for the peak performers out there."
Miller Lite can be a nice change of pace for anyone who is tired of drinking the same beer every weekend, but be warned: expectations should not be set too high. My scores: Taste: 1.0, Partyability: 4.4, Benefit/Cost: 3.0.