Saturday, May 4, 2013

Beer: Samuel Adams Hop Tour 2013


Packaged and sold as a 6-pack (with 2 bottles of each), this nice sampler pack for hop fans contains some fine and enjoyable brews. This year, the Latitude 48 is a new recipe, with Mosaic hops from the Pacific Northwest. I needn't explain Sam Adams, as they are nationally distributed and well-respected as the largest of the so-called "craft" brewers out there. Note that my ratings run from 1-5, so a 4 (which all of these beers scored) is an excellent tasting. Hunt this inexpensive set down and enjoy!

SAMUEL ADAMS - WHITEWATER IPA - 4.0

Cloudy yellow-gold here, with a thick head. Intense and detailed lace. Impressive!Nice citrus hops aroma, with a hint of floral tonality. Pleasing! Taste is deliciously citrus, with a hint of apricot. It's a smooth-drinker, with a medium body. 

Overall, very tasty, and a nicely innovative twist on the usual IPA blueprint.

SAMUEL ADAMS - NOBLE PILS - 4.0

Light golden-yellowish in color. Good, large white head of foam and surprisingly ornate lace. Aroma is citrus hoppy. Nice.
Flavor is light, with a well-balanced mix of sweetness and sharp hop snap near the finish.

This is a delicious warm-weather brew, and one that deserves repeat purchase.

SAMUEL ADAMS - LATITUDE 48 IPA - MOSAIC - 4.0

Attractive clean amber, with a large head of off-white bubbles. Brilliant, showy, and intricate lace. Nose is crisp citrus and pine hops. Quite appealing. Taste is nicely hopped, with plenty of grapefruit and lemon citrus tones. I also get some peppery spice and some earthiness. 

Overall, a well-balanced and highly drinkable IPA -- not a hop bomb, but a well-done and session-worthy brew. Superb!


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