Samuel Adams Kellerbier
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Kellerbier / Zwickelbier
Ranked #103 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 84
Ranked #23,833 - Avg:
- 3.7 | pDev: 9.19%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Dec 01, 2021
- Added:
- Sep 25, 2017
- Wants:
- 2
- Gots:
- 30
SCORE
84
Good
84
Good


Notes:
Kellerbiers originated in German cellars when brewers couldn’t wait to taste the fruits of their labors, so they tapped young beers straight from barrels. Our version ages on oak chips for a refreshing juxtaposition of light unfiltered malts with an intriguing woodsy note.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Raime:
3.53/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Raime from Korea (North)
Have had very few from the kellerbier style throughout my time doing this. Two...or maybe three prior with one of them coming from sam adams off of memory. From the mixed twelve. Here goes.
Look - First amber beer I've seen all night. Finger of off white head with a pretty good level of carbonation.
Smell - Super bready with some touches of cherry and a yeasty aspect.
Taste - Don't really need to go into much detail here considering the taste follows the nose almost to an exact T though the aspects do turn up a bit.
Feel - Moderate bodied with an illusionary fullness due to the bready aspect. High carbonation and it swallows sweet.
Overall - Different than the other Kellerbiers I've had. Probably my least favorite of the pack so far due to the malt forward nature though again this is a good mixed pack with a variety which is exactly what they wanted to achieve. A solid brew nontheless.
Jan 27, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Raime from Korea (North)
Have had very few from the kellerbier style throughout my time doing this. Two...or maybe three prior with one of them coming from sam adams off of memory. From the mixed twelve. Here goes.
Look - First amber beer I've seen all night. Finger of off white head with a pretty good level of carbonation.
Smell - Super bready with some touches of cherry and a yeasty aspect.
Taste - Don't really need to go into much detail here considering the taste follows the nose almost to an exact T though the aspects do turn up a bit.
Feel - Moderate bodied with an illusionary fullness due to the bready aspect. High carbonation and it swallows sweet.
Overall - Different than the other Kellerbiers I've had. Probably my least favorite of the pack so far due to the malt forward nature though again this is a good mixed pack with a variety which is exactly what they wanted to achieve. A solid brew nontheless.
Jan 27, 2018
More User Ratings:
3.52 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Dec 01, 2021
3.75 by Velivolus1 from Vermont on Jul 20, 2020
3.75 by Maltyhead from Massachusetts on Jun 23, 2020
3.7 by Kolb from Montana on Apr 29, 2019
3.54/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by lwillitz from Wisconsin
12-oz bottle into Guinness stein
A - finger and a half of off-white over a slightly-cloudy body of amber
S - bready malt, caramel sweetness
T - wheat bread, caramel, herbal bitterness
M - smooth medium body, high carbonation
O - just another beer
Feb 16, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by lwillitz from Wisconsin
12-oz bottle into Guinness stein
A - finger and a half of off-white over a slightly-cloudy body of amber
S - bready malt, caramel sweetness
T - wheat bread, caramel, herbal bitterness
M - smooth medium body, high carbonation
O - just another beer
Feb 16, 2019
3.75 by Nurt20 from Illinois on Jan 26, 2019
5 by Kwright from North Carolina on Jan 24, 2019
3/5 rDev -18.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Drak-Nib from Nebraska
“Hazy with herbal hoppiness.” The herbal nature is tasty. Bitter undertone, making it a flavorful, mature kind of beer. I like the drawing of Delicate Arch from Arches National Park on the label. In closing, good taste in the front, bitter and less good in the after. 2018/02/27
Nov 20, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Drak-Nib from Nebraska
“Hazy with herbal hoppiness.” The herbal nature is tasty. Bitter undertone, making it a flavorful, mature kind of beer. I like the drawing of Delicate Arch from Arches National Park on the label. In closing, good taste in the front, bitter and less good in the after. 2018/02/27
Nov 20, 2018
3.83/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by mothmanscott from Georgia
Pours clear deep mahogany producing 3+ fingers of foamy, lasting, tan head that diminishes to a pillowy dense island cap and heavy collar, leaving clumpy rings and webs of lacing. Excellent presentation. Out of character with the style this has noticeably good clarity for what should be an unfiltered style. Aroma is toasted/roasted lager malt classic Sam Adams lager yeast, clean bready grain, thin oak wood, caramel & fruity. Taste is toasted brown bread, sodacracker, a hint of grain, thin caramel, vanilla/oak, floral, herbal hops, peppery finish and a lingering bitterness. Crisp and dry with little sweetness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate-high carbonation, crisp and dry with a peppery prickle and a thinly astringent aftertaste.
Nov 16, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by mothmanscott from Georgia
Pours clear deep mahogany producing 3+ fingers of foamy, lasting, tan head that diminishes to a pillowy dense island cap and heavy collar, leaving clumpy rings and webs of lacing. Excellent presentation. Out of character with the style this has noticeably good clarity for what should be an unfiltered style. Aroma is toasted/roasted lager malt classic Sam Adams lager yeast, clean bready grain, thin oak wood, caramel & fruity. Taste is toasted brown bread, sodacracker, a hint of grain, thin caramel, vanilla/oak, floral, herbal hops, peppery finish and a lingering bitterness. Crisp and dry with little sweetness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate-high carbonation, crisp and dry with a peppery prickle and a thinly astringent aftertaste.
Nov 16, 2018
4.5/5 rDev +21.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by JimboBrews54 from Michigan
It isn't no M43, but this is better than the Sam Adams NEIPA. Dark orange pour, bordering on copper, under a nice enough khaki head. Malty aroma, pale malt doughiness, a hint of caramel, just a wisp of oak and grass, mild spice. Malty flavor, caramel, bread, a hint of biscuit and caramel, a touch of oak and spice.
Oct 17, 2018
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by JimboBrews54 from Michigan
It isn't no M43, but this is better than the Sam Adams NEIPA. Dark orange pour, bordering on copper, under a nice enough khaki head. Malty aroma, pale malt doughiness, a hint of caramel, just a wisp of oak and grass, mild spice. Malty flavor, caramel, bread, a hint of biscuit and caramel, a touch of oak and spice.
Oct 17, 2018
3.5 by a77cj7 from South Dakota on Oct 09, 2018
3.11/5 rDev -15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by jdhilt from New Hampshire
Pours a three finger white head, that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Hazy, amber color. Good carbonation and light-medium bodied. Grainy nose and taste is light sweet grain and bread. 12oz bottle part of $9.99 6-pack from Shaw's Supermarket Concord, NH
Jul 30, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
by jdhilt from New Hampshire
Pours a three finger white head, that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Hazy, amber color. Good carbonation and light-medium bodied. Grainy nose and taste is light sweet grain and bread. 12oz bottle part of $9.99 6-pack from Shaw's Supermarket Concord, NH
Jul 30, 2018
3/5 rDev -18.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
Taste: crisp, herbal floral hops, clean finish. Mild grainy nose. Amber, hazy, with a white refined head and lace. Medium/light body. Another easy drinking Summer beer. 30 IBUs
Jul 16, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
Taste: crisp, herbal floral hops, clean finish. Mild grainy nose. Amber, hazy, with a white refined head and lace. Medium/light body. Another easy drinking Summer beer. 30 IBUs
Jul 16, 2018
3.6/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by KTCamm from New Jersey
5/28/18....hazy but amber copper based. White foam bubbles on top. Soft wheaty nose, some citrus and spices. Hard to draw out though. Wheat open with a quick peppercorn twist. Herb-y. Leafy, almost like a black tea back. Twists the style nicely.
Jul 16, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by KTCamm from New Jersey
5/28/18....hazy but amber copper based. White foam bubbles on top. Soft wheaty nose, some citrus and spices. Hard to draw out though. Wheat open with a quick peppercorn twist. Herb-y. Leafy, almost like a black tea back. Twists the style nicely.
Jul 16, 2018
3.5 by DaveCash from New York on Jun 23, 2018
3.76 by JonSwenson from Florida on Jun 16, 2018
3.5 by BeerInspector from Delaware on Jun 10, 2018
3.96/5 rDev +7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked this up as part of a seasonal 12-pack for $14.99 at TW Arrowhead in March. Best by May 2018.
Beer poured cloudy brown with a nice white head that has some great hang time and is leaving lacing behind.
Nose has hints of bread and caramel sweetness.
Taste follows the nose. Caramel malts provide a sweet backbone that is very bready with a touch of sourdough. Herbal hops balance the sweetness nicely.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth.
Overall i really enjoyed this brew. Very flavorful, reminds me of a smaller version of a doppelbock. Recommended!
May 28, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked this up as part of a seasonal 12-pack for $14.99 at TW Arrowhead in March. Best by May 2018.
Beer poured cloudy brown with a nice white head that has some great hang time and is leaving lacing behind.
Nose has hints of bread and caramel sweetness.
Taste follows the nose. Caramel malts provide a sweet backbone that is very bready with a touch of sourdough. Herbal hops balance the sweetness nicely.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth.
Overall i really enjoyed this brew. Very flavorful, reminds me of a smaller version of a doppelbock. Recommended!
May 28, 2018
3.53/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by hman43 from North Carolina
Look: It pours cloudy brown with a light brown head. Head retention is moderate.
Smell: It has an herbal and malty aroma. The malt aromas has some bread crusts and bread.
Taste: The flavor is sweet with an almost tomato like quality. There are some bready aspects to it with herbal elements.
Feel: It has a moderately light body.
Overall, it had an odd taste with the tomato like qualities. Otherwise is was balanced between the bread like elements and herbal elements.
May 28, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by hman43 from North Carolina
Look: It pours cloudy brown with a light brown head. Head retention is moderate.
Smell: It has an herbal and malty aroma. The malt aromas has some bread crusts and bread.
Taste: The flavor is sweet with an almost tomato like quality. There are some bready aspects to it with herbal elements.
Feel: It has a moderately light body.
Overall, it had an odd taste with the tomato like qualities. Otherwise is was balanced between the bread like elements and herbal elements.
May 28, 2018
4.13 by Gemini6 from Michigan on May 22, 2018
3.85/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WunderLlama from Massachusetts
bottle poured into a sam adams glass
two finger off white foam cap, quickly settles over a clear copper liquid with lots of carnation and bubbles
aroma of malt, whiff of grassiness, whiff of oak
taste is malty, bit of caramel sweetness, hint of grassiness and oak
suds up very well
good beer
May 20, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WunderLlama from Massachusetts
bottle poured into a sam adams glass
two finger off white foam cap, quickly settles over a clear copper liquid with lots of carnation and bubbles
aroma of malt, whiff of grassiness, whiff of oak
taste is malty, bit of caramel sweetness, hint of grassiness and oak
suds up very well
good beer
May 20, 2018
3.75 by DigitGrowler from Kentucky on May 20, 2018
3.75/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ordybill from Georgia
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass. The appearance is a semi clear copper color with a medium-sized white head. The aroma is roasted grains and malt. The taste follows the nose.
May 19, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by ordybill from Georgia
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass. The appearance is a semi clear copper color with a medium-sized white head. The aroma is roasted grains and malt. The taste follows the nose.
May 19, 2018
3.34 by BlueTomorrow from Michigan on May 09, 2018
3.64 by Z-man from Michigan on May 07, 2018
3.68/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Lampro from Virginia
A nice, slightly spiced, malty brew. Pleasant drinking!
May 03, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Lampro from Virginia
A nice, slightly spiced, malty brew. Pleasant drinking!
May 03, 2018
3.54/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Samlover55 from New York
12oz bottle into Perfect Pint
Bb 7/2018
L- light brown, with thin head, great retention
S- sweet grain, grassy,
T- sweet, herbal, subtle bitter finish
F- medium-bodied a bit chewy on the feel
Overall a unique beer that has some medicinal characteristics
May 02, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by Samlover55 from New York
12oz bottle into Perfect Pint
Bb 7/2018
L- light brown, with thin head, great retention
S- sweet grain, grassy,
T- sweet, herbal, subtle bitter finish
F- medium-bodied a bit chewy on the feel
Overall a unique beer that has some medicinal characteristics
May 02, 2018
3.75 by heerboth from Pennsylvania on Apr 27, 2018
4.75/5 rDev +28.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by RonaldTheriot from Louisiana
Samuel Adams Kellerbier has a very thick, creamy, ivory head, a somewhat hazy, bubbly, copper appearance, with orange sediment chunks and a descending cloud, following the "swish & pour". Aroma is of brown bread crust and a pungent note. Taste is similar, with hearty bitterness. Mouthfeel is high medium, and Kellerbier finishes dirty and fun.
RJT
Apr 26, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by RonaldTheriot from Louisiana
Samuel Adams Kellerbier has a very thick, creamy, ivory head, a somewhat hazy, bubbly, copper appearance, with orange sediment chunks and a descending cloud, following the "swish & pour". Aroma is of brown bread crust and a pungent note. Taste is similar, with hearty bitterness. Mouthfeel is high medium, and Kellerbier finishes dirty and fun.
RJT
Apr 26, 2018
3.56/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by secondtooth from Indiana
Appearance: Hazy brown amber, with a fair off-white head and limited lace.
Aroma: Toasty malty, warm and inviting.
Taste: Caramel malty with some spicy and herbal notes underneath. Decent brew.
Apr 25, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by secondtooth from Indiana
Appearance: Hazy brown amber, with a fair off-white head and limited lace.
Aroma: Toasty malty, warm and inviting.
Taste: Caramel malty with some spicy and herbal notes underneath. Decent brew.
Apr 25, 2018
4.15/5 rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12oz bottle best before June 2018
1" off white pillow-y head with good retention on top of a orange/amber slightly hazy beer. Great lacing.
Nutty malt and spicy hops. Caramel, floral notes. Very appealing.
Malty with the same nutty caramel flavors as in the aroma. Pleasant bittering hops in the finish.
Medium to full body. Round mouthfeel. Low to medium carbonation. Sweet and bitter in the finish but never gets overdone on either side.
Full of flavor, maybe one of the better Sam Adams beers I've had in a while and the best of the Variety 12pk it was packed in.
Apr 21, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
12oz bottle best before June 2018
1" off white pillow-y head with good retention on top of a orange/amber slightly hazy beer. Great lacing.
Nutty malt and spicy hops. Caramel, floral notes. Very appealing.
Malty with the same nutty caramel flavors as in the aroma. Pleasant bittering hops in the finish.
Medium to full body. Round mouthfeel. Low to medium carbonation. Sweet and bitter in the finish but never gets overdone on either side.
Full of flavor, maybe one of the better Sam Adams beers I've had in a while and the best of the Variety 12pk it was packed in.
Apr 21, 2018
3.64 by KennyDerenbecker from Louisiana on Apr 21, 2018
3.46 by Giggy from Michigan on Apr 19, 2018
3.48/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by beerthulhu from New Jersey
-pint.
A: Dark sunset glow orange lights up the vessel with an abundance of macro-carbonation bubbles sticking to the vessel walls. Dirty white head has a small initial stance before lapsing to a scant and soapy, bubbly topping. Really like the glowing orange coloring when back-lighted.
S: Faint lemon-barley stalks, dry hints of yeastiness. Soft aroma, with small indications of sugar fruitiness.
T: Sweet toasted fruitiness for flavor, citrus and spicy hops bring a nice zing and spring feeling. White grapes, sweet toasted grains, with some apple-floral notes. Sweet oaky caramel backing finishes with a dry herbal feel on longer holds.
M: Spritzy carbonation brings the mouthful to life. Sweet and thick juicy caramel texture with a dry finish.
O: A nice malt base beer, sugar toasted caramel fruitiness and sweetness. Herbal and floral hopping brings a nice mixture and depth per style which is fairly aggressive. Easy drinking summer fun beer.
Apr 18, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by beerthulhu from New Jersey
-pint.
A: Dark sunset glow orange lights up the vessel with an abundance of macro-carbonation bubbles sticking to the vessel walls. Dirty white head has a small initial stance before lapsing to a scant and soapy, bubbly topping. Really like the glowing orange coloring when back-lighted.
S: Faint lemon-barley stalks, dry hints of yeastiness. Soft aroma, with small indications of sugar fruitiness.
T: Sweet toasted fruitiness for flavor, citrus and spicy hops bring a nice zing and spring feeling. White grapes, sweet toasted grains, with some apple-floral notes. Sweet oaky caramel backing finishes with a dry herbal feel on longer holds.
M: Spritzy carbonation brings the mouthful to life. Sweet and thick juicy caramel texture with a dry finish.
O: A nice malt base beer, sugar toasted caramel fruitiness and sweetness. Herbal and floral hopping brings a nice mixture and depth per style which is fairly aggressive. Easy drinking summer fun beer.
Apr 18, 2018
4.24/5 rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Tone from Missouri
Pours a hazy copper color. 1/2 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and great lacing. Smells of pale malt, tea, slight citrus hops, floral hops, slight sweet malt, and a hint of lemongrass. Fits the style of a Kellerbier/Zwickelbier. Mouth feel is sharp and clean, with an average carbonation level. There is an elevated dryness. Tastes of pale malt, tea, slight citrus hops, floral hops, slight sweet malt, hint of bread dough, hint of mustiness, and a hint of lemongrass. Overall, good appearance, aroma, blend, body, and complexity.
Apr 15, 2018
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Tone from Missouri
Pours a hazy copper color. 1/2 inch head of an off-white color. Good retention and great lacing. Smells of pale malt, tea, slight citrus hops, floral hops, slight sweet malt, and a hint of lemongrass. Fits the style of a Kellerbier/Zwickelbier. Mouth feel is sharp and clean, with an average carbonation level. There is an elevated dryness. Tastes of pale malt, tea, slight citrus hops, floral hops, slight sweet malt, hint of bread dough, hint of mustiness, and a hint of lemongrass. Overall, good appearance, aroma, blend, body, and complexity.
Apr 15, 2018
3.69 by BlueSpader from Washington on Apr 10, 2018
3.73 by CreedeSon from Illinois on Apr 09, 2018
3.52 by emerge077 from Illinois on Apr 01, 2018
3.74/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by beergoot from Colorado
Faintly hazy, dark amber body; thick, sculpted head. Nice grainy, caramel-forward aroma. Nice toasted grain flavor; a bit bitter; dull, fruity component. Medium body; dry with a touch of astringency.
A decent amber colored beer presenting a light malt touch with a hint of raw wood to things.
Apr 01, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by beergoot from Colorado
Faintly hazy, dark amber body; thick, sculpted head. Nice grainy, caramel-forward aroma. Nice toasted grain flavor; a bit bitter; dull, fruity component. Medium body; dry with a touch of astringency.
A decent amber colored beer presenting a light malt touch with a hint of raw wood to things.
Apr 01, 2018
Samuel Adams Kellerbier from Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
137 ratings