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.

Beer Review: Empyrean Ales Beer Quest Munich Dunkel

Stopped by Lazlo's after a hard day stocking cheese to try the Black Pepper Porter which turned out not to be available. Tried the Beer Quest winner Munich Dunkel instead. Dunkel means "dark" in German and this was a dark lager. Heralthy brown head, chocolate color and a sweet malty aroma evocative of toasted grains; a little bready as well. Hints of caramel, no hops aroma to speak of. I'd have another if I was over there now.

Beer Review: Tall Grass Halcyon Wheat

Apparently the trend is for craft beers to be packaged in cans. Keeps the harmful UV rays out (really, those rays are bad for beer...makes it "skunky") and is cheaper; Tall Grass Brewing out of Manhattan Kansas is ahead of this curve. As most unfiltered wheats do, this one looks kind of hazy. A bit of ginger in there, as well as more hoppiness than I expected. lemon notes, more of the distinctive "wheatiness" than some of the other wheats I've been trying lately. As I work my may to the bottom, I'm getting a little banana, like a dunkelweizen, but just a little. Another fine brew from our neighbors to the south.

Beer Review: Dundee Summer Wheat

Best beer so far this season. Pale, pale golden in hue, head of pure white, light body, minimal hoppiness. I believe that it could be classified as a hefeweizen or pretty darn close. As far as I could tell they didn't add any flavorings, but there were hints of lemony citrus. This my friends is a beer that I would repeat. There just may be Dundee Summer Wheat at the "Welcome to Virginia Beach" barbecue next Sunday.

Beer Review: Anchor Summer Beer

With 50% malted wheat, they probably could have classified it as a hefeweizen, but just decided to call it a "summer beer". And summery it is, crisp, clear, no distracting flavorings, but with notes of citrus and lemon grass. Hops are there, but don't overpower. Very drinkable, and at 4.4% ABV, a good session beer: have another!