Samuel Adams – Test Driving the New “Sam Can”

It was a really cool surprise to get a package from our pal Jim Koch @ Samuel Adams, and even cooler when I saw what it was.  If you’ve been following the story, Samuel Adams  has spent a considerable amount of time & money to develop the new “Sam Can.”  The specially designed Ball Corp can was created with a different opening and different top section meant to enhance not only the flavors of the beer, but the experience of drinking the beer out of the can.  For comparison purposes, Samuel Adams also sent me a regular 12oz can, also filled with Boston Lager.

We chilled the beer and sat down tonight to test the two…and of course we drank both straight from the can.  So how was it?  I was pretty sure Jim Koch wouldn’t put the time & money into these cans if it was just a gimmick, and I’m here to say it is not.  While it was subtle at first, the way the air moves in and out of the can really does make a difference in the drinking experience.  As far as flavor, it’s also very subtle, but the way the beer moves did change the way it tasted as well as the aroma. 

What I liked best was how the can mimicked the experience of drinking from a glass.

   It just seemed easier to drink and required less tilt-back of my head.  Sounds simple but it really did make a difference.  I’ll certainly have to sit on the beach and test it again (and again) to be sure, but I’d say Samuel Adams has a winner here.

Look for Boston Lager & Summer Ale cans to hit the stores this week and Octoberfest coming in cans this fall.
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