12 oz bottle poured into a mug. Crystal clear maroon color with a centimeter of tan head. Average retention and lacing. Smokey peaty malt and a dash of toffee sweetness characterize the aroma. Flavor has a caramel/toffee base with a nice big smokiness that runs throughout the palate. The finish is brown malts and bread crust with some lingering smoked meats. Mouthfeel is smooth but a little watery for the style. Robust flavors like smoke need a burly body to match, and this beer doesn’t have it. Definitely more wee than heavy. Other than that, this beer is tasty, and clearly one of Sam Adams’ best.

Pours beer bottle brown with a thin light tan head. Aroma is smokey (the resemblance to scotch is there) caramel malts, and spiced gum drops. Flavor is smokey, with a earthy plant like note that I would guess is attributable to the peat moss smoke. Caramel malts and some bitter hops help to balance, with some nice leafy notes and a long smokey, bitter hops finish. Body is medium and carbonation is a little high.

12 oz bottle from mix pack. Malt nose of caramel and dark grain with a touch of floral spicy hops. Clear amber brown with small tan head. Definite touch of peaty smoked malt flavor with some roast and touch of dark fruits. Medium body and mouthfeel. Finish is dry and slightly astringent with moderate hop bitterness. Tasty.

Pours mahogany into a thistle. Creamy pancake head leaves sheets as it slowly recedes. I don’t pick up any aromas. Smoky caramel from front to back. Crisp, dry, lasting smoke finish.

Attractive amber color w/ sizeable off-white head. As with most Sam Adams brews, this one is dominated by malt character in both aroma and taste. Medium bodied, slightly smoky, moderate bitterness. A lot like a Boston Lager, however the peat malt adds an element that makes this taste like Johnnie Walker. Quite good, one of the better Sam Adams in my estimation.