Samuel Adams really stretches the definition of "microbrewery," and has massive televised ad campaigns bragging about how small and simple their operation is. Bullshit. But is the beer any good? I decide to try this can of Sam '76, which claims to be "a perfect union of lager and ale, giving you a craft beer with the flavor of an ale and the refreshment and crisp finish of a lager."
It certainly had a pine note to the scent as I cracked the tab on the can. Since I am an exquisitely urbane and cultured individual, I drank it from the can instead of pouring it into a stein. No comments on the color or foam. The flavor is initially like a mild IPA with citrus and pine, fading to a slightly-sour lager finish. Carbonation is good, and it doesn't feel too watery. At 4.7% ABV, it's not going to kick most people in the head for knocking back one, or a few.
All told, I would rate it as decent, but not great. I could drink a few while watching a baseball game without feeling the disgust Bud leaves with me. And it will certainly serve to accompany my junk food dinner of Johnsonville bratwurst and Tim's Cascade Style Potato Chips (Sea Salt and Vinegar, of course) because it's all a step up from typical stadium food. Now I just need to see if there's a sportsball game I want to watch...
Edit: a pox on the image uploading algorithms. I made sure these were portrait format! Mobile posting remains a pain.