Sam Adams Beer Was First Served On Tap At This Now-Shuttered Boston Pub - Tasting Table

"It was in the brewery's own Boston home, serving up the aptly named Boston Lager. It was also a pub with a long, rich history, something a brewery named for a Bostonian founding father of the United States of America could certainly relate to. In fact, founded in 1882, Doyle's fostered the very kind of tavern environment that was crucial for the American Revolution's mission: a community gathering place that hosted everything from local meetings to birthday and anniversary celebrations."

"But Doyle's Cafe owners Bill, Ed, and Gerry Burke decided to give the young entrepreneur a shot and debuted Sam Adams Boston Lager on tap - to immediately successful results. Doyle's Cafe patrons took well to Sam Adams Boston Lager, a full-flavored yet refreshing and easy-drinking beer that would have instantly stood out against the widely available options in 1984, like Budweiser."

Samuel Adams began brewing in Boston in 1984, launching Boston Lager as its signature beer. Doyle's Cafe, founded in 1882 and steeped in local tavern tradition, became the first establishment to put Boston Lager on tap. Founders Bill, Ed, and Gerry Burke gave Jim Koch a chance after larger venues declined, and patrons embraced the full-flavored, refreshing lager. Rapid word-of-mouth growth helped Samuel Adams become the best-selling craft beer in the United States by 1988. The brewery expanded its lineup afterward while maintaining strong ties to Boston's historical pub culture.

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