Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA

Ok, I lied.  The anti-histamines did the trick, and the poison ivy is quickly disappearing, so I can go back to my beer-hounding ways sooner than I thought.

A buddy of mine, oh heck, my best friend aside from my husband, came to visit us last weekend, and he came bearing gifts.  For my birthday, he and his wife got me my very own sampler flight (awesome!!!) and a Sam Adams IPA variety box (also awesome!!!).  Unfortunately, I was suffering from that insidious poison ivy and was on some meds for it, so I couldn't partake of his very thoughtful gift.  Until last night.  When I came home from work last night, I cracked open a Sam Adams Latitude 48 IPA, and the evening got all kinds of mellow:

Vittles:

American IPA

6% abv

60 IBUs

20 SRM

206 calories

Score:

Appearance: 9/10

Aroma: 22/25

Taste: 37/40

Mouthfeel: 8/10

Style: 5/5

Drinkability: 8/10

Overall: 89/100

Impression:

This is the 2013 Latitude 48 with Mosaic hops -- not a distinction I would normally write out, but I think this is the first time I've tried a beer with Mosaic (at least as far as I know).

Solidly hoppy but not overly bitter, this beer has a mild, earthy, spicy, herbal, and floral aroma.  I can smell a bit of a malt backbone, but the main aromas are decidedly hoppy, and they smell delicious.  They also smell pretty balanced, and that balance carries over into the flavor nicely.  There are a few flavors I didn't detect in the aroma, but none of them are overpowering.  The citrus/grapefruit hits you a bit on the back end, and there's a hint of pine and a slight peppery flavor, too.  The longer I let it sit in my mouth, the more prominent the grapefruit notes become, and the more everything else fades into the background.  The flavors are interesting, and they keep me guessing, especially as the beer warms to room temp. and more of the complexities come out to play.  It started out highly effervescent with a large head (I had to sip it down quite a bit so it wouldn't spill over the sides of the glass while I took my picture).  The head settled into a thin disk, which remained throughout.  It also left significant lacing, which I just love.  The medium body and creamy mouthfeel really add to my enjoyment, as well.  Maybe it's because I haven't had a beer for a few days now, or maybe it's because this is a more balanced and well-rounded IPA, but it's really hitting the spot.

Can't wait to try another SA IPA tomorrow night!  Cheers!