Samuel Adams Single Batch: Cinder Bock

The Washington Post ran a story earlier this year, where Dogfish Head Brewery president/founder,Sam Calagione, stated he was "happy" to see their flagship brand, 60 Min IPA, drop in sales.  On face value, this statement might seem a little confusing.  However, when you walk the aisles of your local beer store and see all of the new "one off" beers Dogfish is putting out and experimenting with, it starts to make sense.  Creativity is contagious…and fun.  Which, brings me to the title of this post, Sam Adams.

I love the fact that over the last 15 plus years, Samuel Adams has been doing the same thing, for even longer.  While certainly, the success of Jim Koch and crew is based on their flagship, Boston Lager, their constant seasonal offerings and most recently, the Single Batch series, shows how creativity and experimentation can be exciting, rewarding and for those of us enamored with craft beer, a hell of a lot of fun.

The newest entry in the Samuel Adams Single Batch series is Cinder Bock.  Cinder Bock happens to combine two of my favorite beers styles: Rauchbier and Double Bock.

Rauchbier is German for "smoke beer", an early, predominately German, method of drying malt for beer was over an open flame.  This process creates a very smokey malt, which is something I absolutely love.  Double Bocks are strong lagers.  In fact, both Rauchbier and Bocks are lagers, which shows just how versatile lagers can be.  Double Bocks, or any bock beer, (Helles Bock, Doppelbock, or Eisbock) are often, but not always darker in color and usually of a higher ABV.

Cinder Bock beautifully blends both of the styles.  The smokey Rauchbier immediatley presents itself, but slides to the back as the sweet malt of the the Double Bock pushes forward.  As the beer finishes, just a hint of smoke slides across the lips.  It's very, very nice.  I just love that smoke.

I was happy to find my local, Belmont Party Supply, not only had more 22 ounce Cinder Bock, but Griffin's Bow as well.  If you get a chance to try something you don't recognize.  Do it.  You will be glad you did.

Note: During my college days, I lambasted my Dad for buying Samuel Adams Boston Lager.  At the time, my favorite beer was Bud Light.  Boy, have times changed!  With the horrible confusion now on the Internet, I am eternally grateful the Boston Beer Company has not only refused to blacklist me, but kindly provided me with my first bottle of Cinder Bock.  My Dad was cool before it was time.