Samuel Adams Hopscape
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What the brewers say
“Four types of West Coast hops add bold notes of pine and juicy grapefruit to this deep golden wheat ale, for a crisp flavor.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “A mixed bag of fresh hops, with fruity esters and a hint of wheat malt. The hops are strongly catty, with citrus and onion behind that. More hops notes of floral and tropical varietals, as well as stone fruits, mango, and tangerine. Dank and cellar funk, pine, and resin, and a light, skunky edge.”
Flavor: “Such big, unique hops flavors—it’s a mix of earthy, fruity, floral, citrusy, catty, dank, oniony, resin, and pine. The effect is like a hops tea with honey, as it’s sticky on the tongue. It’s milder than a pale ale, but the balance is similar in favoring hops flavor and bitterness over malt. Light wheat malt character and a creamy mouthfeel that fades into a dry, bitter finish with just a hint of sweetness.”
Overall: “This beer is all about the hops—it’s wheaty more in the sense that it’s mild than being a celebration of wheat malt. The beer was well made, and the hops were balanced, even if the aroma was more on the catty side.”
