Touring the Sam Adams Boston Brewery

I had hoped by visiting the Sam Adams Boston Brewery, that I might find a 6-pack of the elusive Sam Adams Oatmeal Stout, but alas, no bottles or cans could be found. I did, in fact, learn a lot about the history of Sam Adams beer. And it turns out, Sam Adams is not just a Boston beer. My Cincinnati family and friends can also take pride in having a piece of Sam Adams’ history.

Ooh, is that too much for my Boston friends?

Turns out, Jim Koch, the son of a Cincinnati brewmaster, started Sam Adams. After receiving a Harvard education, the Cincinnati native decided to further his education by learning about the family’s trade. I’m sure that didn’t sit well with his father after paying for a Harvard degree. Anyway, after finding a lager recipe in his father’s attic, Jim went to work in Boston and founded the Sam Adams brewery. Today, most of the Sam Adams beer is made in Cincinnati and in Pennsylvania. I learned this while touring the Sam Adams Boston Brewery.

I credit Sam Adams Beer with helping me find my beer palate. Like most beer drinkers, I first began drinking bad beer because it’s what I knew from commercials. After a while, I ventured out to find new beers to like and came across Sam Adams. It opened my eyes that beer can actually be pretty good. Thus, my appreciation of beer began.

I had a quick trip to Boston, and I only had a short time to sightsee. I saw that Sam Adams had a 45 minute brewery tour and bought a ticket. I arrived early and enjoyed a pint outside the brewery. Once inside, I perused the cans to see if I there were any Oatmeal Stouts to buy.

Once the tour started, I patiently waited to ask about my favorite Same Adams beer. The tour guide did a great job of walking us through the history of the brewery. We sampled various beers while listening. When we arrived at the end of the tour, I asked the guide about my stout, and he didn’t have an answer. Sadly, I walked away without my beer. I did have a hat and t-shirt, though, and a great history lesson.

Next time I’m in Boston, I’m going to visit the Sam Adams Brewery. Not for a tour or a hat, but because the brewery is a great spot to enjoy a beer inside and outside. Actually, I’ll probably buy another hat.