Black Lager -- Samuel Adams (Boston, MA)

Truth in advertising, indeed... It's dark and it's a lager.  I was hoping for something closer to the German dark weissbiers (Erdinger comes to mind) but the Sam Black has no presence at all.

Characteristics: deep brown-t0-black color, light body, more maltiness and a little less bitterness than the familiar Boston Lager.

Gripes: Not enough flavor to sustain any interest.  Best served ice-cold (like yellow American lagers).

Bottom Line: If you want to impress someone by drinking a dark beer without the complexity of "dark beer" taste, this might be the way to go.  It reminds me of a recent marketing campaign for Newcastle Brown Ale -- trying to create a distinction between color and weight/body. 

Rating: 4/10 (perhaps as high as 5.5 for those who prefer lagers).