The name Samuel Adams is intrinsically tied to Boston. It represents both a Founding Father of the United States and a beloved beer brand. In this post, we’ll discover how both the man and the beer helped spark a revolution.
Samuel Adams: The Man
Samuel Adams was a pivotal figure in American history. Born in Boston in 1722, he was a second cousin to future President John Adams. A graduate of Harvard College, he failed in his attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps as a brewer. He then turned to tax collecting, which he also failed at.
Known for his fiery passion and ability to rally supporters to a cause, Samuel Adams found his purpose by organizing resistance against British rule. Through his leadership in the Sons of Liberty, Adams was instrumental in mobilizing the participants of the Boston Tea Party, one of the most significant protests against British taxation. Adams also helped establish the Committees of Correspondence, which coordinated efforts between the colonies in their fight for independence.
Adams was appointed as a delegate representing Massachusetts at both the First and Second Continental Congress. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and helped draft the Articles of Confederation. Beginning in 1781, Adams turned his efforts almost solely towards state politics, culminating in a stint as Governor of Massachusetts (1794-1797). He was also instrumental in drafting the state’s constitution. He died in Boston in 1803.
Samuel Adams was without question one of the most prominent patriots of the American Revolution. His cousin, John, described him as having “the most thorough understanding of liberty.” Yet the actions of his enemies—not the words of his supporters—might best illustrate his impact on American independence.
In 1775, General Gage, then Royal Governor of Massachusetts, issued a proclamation in which he offered an amnesty to all rebels who laid down their arms. The offer excluded only two people, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, as their offenses against the Crown were deemed too wicked to merit escape from punishment.
Samuel Adams: The Beer
Two centuries after Samuel Adams helped lead the American Revolution, Jim Koch spearheaded an American beer revolution. By the mid-1980s, the beer market was dominated by major labels such as Bud Light and Coors Light, offering watered-down ancestors of traditional lagers. In fact, the Samuel Adams official site claims under 100 breweries existed across the entire country at the time. Those wanting something different turned to imports.
In 1984, Koch—a Harvard grad like Adams—quit his lucrative consulting career. A sixth-generation brewer, he saw an opportunity. Using a family recipe that dated back to the late nineteenth century, Koch went to work in his kitchen where he created the Samuel Adams Boston Lager. He selected this name intentionally. His goal was to offer beer drinkers something they’ve never seen before—a full-bodied domestic lager.
Koch sold Samuel Adams Boston Lager bar-to-bar since no distributors would take it on. At the time, the term “craft beer” didn’t even exist. Distributors, understandably, were not willing to take a risk on a no-name brand.
Koch had made a hit, though. Just six weeks after its creation, the Boston Lager took home first-place prize at the Great American Beer Festival. It stood out due to its full-bodied flavor, rich amber color, and traditional brewing method. The lager went on to defend its title at the GABF next year and never looked back.
Samuel Adams has since become one of the most recognized names in the brewing industry. It has won countless awards across its many styles of beer. Most importantly, it launched a craft beer revolution. According to the Brewer’s Association, nearly 10,000 craft breweries operated in the United States as of 2023. That’s a hundred times more than the breweries that existed in 1984!
Revolutionizing America and American Beer
While Samuel Adams is undoubtedly a Founding Father of the United States, it is also important to note that Jim Koch with his Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the Founding Father of craft beers. Just as Samuel Adams the patriot returned to his roots with Massachusetts politics, Jim Koch stays grounded by continuing to taste every batch of beer.
When in Boston, don’t miss the opportunity to honor Samuel Adams—both the patriot and the brew. You can visit the patriot’s final resting place at the Granary Burial Ground, a notable stop along the Freedom Trail. Adams’ statue stands proudly in front of Faneuil Hall, another Freedom Trail highlight. For a refreshing follow-up, head next door to the Samuel Adams Tap Room to try beer selections not available in stores.
Make sure to visit the original Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain as well. All research and development of the beer still take place here. The brewery also offers a variety of tours. The signature tour is 45 minutes and only costs $10. It includes tasting and I found it definitely worth my time.
Lastly, did you notice anything off with the picture at the top of this post? If so, great catch! Jim Koch did use a famous patriot to face his Samuel Adams beer brand, just not that patriot. That is actually Paul Revere! If you don’t believe me, look it up.
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