Samuel Adams Winter Lager

Winter Lager is another perennial favorite in the Winter Classics variety pack. I've never noticed before that they're calling it a "wheat bock". Bocks of course are a subcategory of lager, which don't seem to be restricted to  Spring any longer. The spices are the same as in Old Fezziwig: cinnamon, ginger and orange peel, however they seem to come on a bit stronger here. I'm not detecting anything that would tip one off to the wheat, but the maltiness does suggest a bock rather than a plain lager. In addition to the named spices, there is also a hint of licorice and caramel. Like many Sam Adams offerings,  the Winter Lager is not trying to be anything fancy, just a simple beer-lover's winter warmer. Try it with roast turkey, or a hearty beef stew, perhaps even some gingerbread or pumpkin pie.