Samuel Adams Session IPA

Aroma: “Very mild nose—fruity, with a bit of tropical-fruit character (mango, passion fruit, lemon, grapefruit) that turns to piney and grassy as the beer sits. Firm malt aroma of toasted bread and caramel.” Flavor: “Unusual perceived sweetness up front is quite fruity (could be the hops). Crisp and clean with a light body and moderate carbonation. Mild fruitiness (lemon, strawberry, and light grapefruit). Bitterness plays a supporting role with hops flavor up front and malt sweetness in the background. The finish is crisp and dry, with a pleasant lingering bitterness.” Overall: “Powerful fruity hops flavor from initial sip to final exhale. Medium-full, good caramel-backed malt body, rich and satisfying. Well- balanced with a crisp, dry, and refreshing finish.”

**Aroma:** “Light floral hops aroma with an undercurrent of lemon and maybe mint. Delicate kiss of clean malt sweetness and cereal. Pine needles, a little grape- fruit, perhaps a touch of biscuit. As it warms, earthy components reminiscent of wet leaves comes into play.” **Flavor:** “Very distinctive citrus hops— lemon, tangerine, and a bit of grapefruit. There’s just enough malt sweetness with the tart citrus to evoke Lemon Heads candy before the bitterness rolls in smoothly. As the beer warms, an earthy mushroom-like character develops, which adds complexity and keeps me interested. Malt body is rather thin.” **Overall:** “Nicely balanced, although the bitter finish could be toned down just a little. Flavorful—it may be a session but it doesn’t compromise a lot. An enjoyable low-octane IPA that offers enough hops character for hopheads but remains a drinkable and well-balanced beer. Smooth and refreshing—a light, hoppy beer that would pair well with an afternoon in the hammock.”

__Aroma:__ “Smooth, bright citrus that’s not clearly tangerine but borders on orange with lemon and a citrus hops aroma with pithy grapefruit around the edges. Floral spice, slight Juicy Fruit gum, fruity esters, and a bready, light soft malt.” __Flavor:__ “Light and crisp, with a balance of bitter from the hops and citrus. Wonderfully dry, with pithy citrus flavors—the orange and grapefruit rind are well-matched with the resinous piney hops. Moderately high esters, with a splash of malt right before the swallow pops the hops back into focus, with a bitterness that coats the tongue and encourages another sip.” __Overall:__ “The hops bitterness, the citrus, and the light malt are in balance, even if the tangerine is understated. The fruit is just enough to heighten the underlying base, without being distracting. The carbonation is a bit low, but overall, the beer is pretty refreshing.”