Red, White, and Brew

Where to see beer being brewed—and sample it for free

eer has always been an ingredient of Boston’s history. The Pilgrims settled here because “our victuals were spent, especially our beere,” and many a pre-Revolutionary War protest was plotted in a tavern. By the early 1900s, there were 22 breweries in Jamaica Plain, more per capita than in any other U.S. city. And there’s still one working brewery in JP with free daily tours. On a back street of Jamaica Plain, the Samuel Adams Brewery gives visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of the brewing process from beginning to end. You can taste the malts and smell the hops. But the best part is the tasting room, where you can try free samples and test experimental brews. Tours fill up fast, and reservations are not accepted, so get there early, especially on the weekends. Vitale

Shhhh! It was originally the
Haffenreffer Brewery, built in 1870.

Shhhh! The suggested $2 donation goes to charities including a lecture series at the Old South Meeting House, where Sam Adams once riled up the rebels.

Shhhh! What’s brewed here goes to local taps. Most Sam Adams beer is actually brewed in Cincinnati.

Shhhh! The tour is open to all ages, but only
over-21s with proper ID can sample the beer

Shhh who knew

Sam Adams inherited his father’s malt house after graduating from Harvard, but the business quickly folded. Here's another secret: The guy on the label is actually Paul Revere. Adams was too ugly.