Latitude 48 IPA - Ahtanum

Ah...the last of the one-hop wonders! Ahtanum is another Yakima Valley grown variety of hops. This one was very different than the others, hardly bitter at all, almost malty. There's some hints of berry and a more obvious orange peel. I can imagine Ahtanum in a porter or stout.

Latitude 48 IPA - Zeus

Piney...oh so piney, kind of a dry bitter if that makes any sense. There's a muted kind of floral aroma, even some of the typical IPA grapefruit. Not bad.

Latitude 48 IPA - East Kent Goldings

Time for variety #3 - East Kent Goldings hops. I believe this is the hops that they use for Irish Red and for Scotch Ale and it shows. Kind of a smoky, malty, earthy tone to the bitter hoppiness, but smooth enough for having more than one. Tastes of mild peach and apricot on the back of the tongue.

Latitude 48 IPA - Simcoe

Having the Hallertau and the Simcoe back-to-back really illustrates how different hop varieties can be. The Simcoe was definitely stronger than the Hallertau. Simcoe hops, by the way, grow in the Yakima Valley region of Washington State. The Simcoe hit me with a sharp, tangy bitterness, with distinct piney flavor. Lots of citrus, especially grapefruit, little or no lemon. Very much like what you'd expect in a Ranger IPA or one of the other strong India Pales.

Latitude 48 IPA - Hallertau Mittelfreuh

The first of the hop varieties was the IPA brewed with Hallertau Mittelfreuh noble hops. It was surprisingly smooth. Aroma reminiscent of a European Pilsner. While the hop bitterness was evident, I can only describe it as a refined bitterness, it convinces you to enjoy the hops, rather than beating you over the head with it.

Latitude 48 IPA - original

Made with five varieties of hops:

• Hallertau Mittelfreuh Noble Hops
• East Kent Goldings
• Ahtanum
• Simcoe
• Zeus

Floral aroma, very hoppy, but drinkable for a novice; piney bitterness, easy on the grapefruitiness. Had to revisit the original before trying the de-constructed versions.

Beer Review: Sam Adams Rustic Saison

Saisons, sometimes called farmhouse Ales, are similar to Belgians. Smooth, light and drinkable, the beer pours light golden with a snow white head. Hints of banana, kind of a spicy finish to it. Could have been some lemon in there as well. Not the best farmhouse ale I've ever had, but a good introduction to the style, as many Sam Adams beers are. I wouldn't mind having a few more.