Beer Cheer 23: Sam' Adams' Latitude 48
Last weekend in the bread aisle (which shares the beer aisle) I suddenly spotted a different-looking case of Samuel Adams beer. I noted it had a spiel about "Latitude 48" on it, a brew I never encountered. So, I shelled-out the $15-ish for the case to get a taste of this new beer.
Latitude 48 is a true hops-filled beer. The initial scent is quite floral - deep, sweet, sour at the same time, and inevitably crisp. Upon tasting this beer, one finds plenty of sweet senses, but these are quickly interrupted by potent bitter tones thanks to the abundant hops. This flavor gradually fades in a slow, relaxing way into a perception of seltzer water and toasted walnuts. Eventually, the beer's flavors subdue into a quiet creamy sense punctuated by potently bitter tones. For those who have not established a palate for beer, I'd say that Sam' Adams' Latitude 48 will not likely please. For veteran beer fans, though, this is a deliciously good beer. Worth noting, I do not find too much difference between Latitude 48 and the Boston Beer Co.'s "Noble Pils" variety. Maybe a side-by-side would show more; if I had to bet, I'd say the Noble Pils would be more towards the bitter side and would lack the sweet initial presence of Latitude 48.
End verdict - a good, hearty beer. Worth hunting out before it vanishes.
Latitude 48 is a true hops-filled beer. The initial scent is quite floral - deep, sweet, sour at the same time, and inevitably crisp. Upon tasting this beer, one finds plenty of sweet senses, but these are quickly interrupted by potent bitter tones thanks to the abundant hops. This flavor gradually fades in a slow, relaxing way into a perception of seltzer water and toasted walnuts. Eventually, the beer's flavors subdue into a quiet creamy sense punctuated by potently bitter tones. For those who have not established a palate for beer, I'd say that Sam' Adams' Latitude 48 will not likely please. For veteran beer fans, though, this is a deliciously good beer. Worth noting, I do not find too much difference between Latitude 48 and the Boston Beer Co.'s "Noble Pils" variety. Maybe a side-by-side would show more; if I had to bet, I'd say the Noble Pils would be more towards the bitter side and would lack the sweet initial presence of Latitude 48.
End verdict - a good, hearty beer. Worth hunting out before it vanishes.