Hop Audit - Mosaic
Taxman Brewing Co.

Welcome to my Happy New Easter IndiCANa Beer Sunday (Week 739)! I am a bit late in joining the party, but better late than never (I hope). I am closing the loop from last week & the beers are mostly CANtesy of @jkblr & @AyatollahGold with a late arrival.

From the CAN: "farmhouse india pale ale";""Hop Audit explores the endless combinations of boutique hops and Belgian yeast. Mosaic hops, often recognized as 'Citra on steroids', feature juicy flavors and aromas of mango, citrus, pine and stone fruit. Paired with the complex and peppery esters of farmhouse yeast, this unique hop is one you won't want to miss. It's time to Hop Audit!"; "Belgian Inspired American Crafted"; "50 IBU".

I beCAN with a Crack! of the vent which revealed a brimful craft CAN by giving me a little fingertip spritz. I decided to show it who was boss by performing a quick, aggro, C-Line Glug into the awaiting Taxman glass. It foamed up nicely & formed just over two fingers of foamy, fizzy, rocky, tawny head with moderate retention that left some nice lacing in its wake. Color was a cloudy Golden-Amber (SRM = > 5, < 7). Nose was certainly tropical fruity, as is to be expected from Mosaic, but here, the fruity sweetness (which I frankly do not always like any more) was tempered by a Belgian yeastiness that gave it the mustiness of old newspapers moldering in the attic. Fine by me! Mouthfeel was medium, about on par for the style. The taste was quite pleasant with an obviously tropical fruitiness, but without the intense sweetness that I often exbeerience with/from Mosaic. The Belgian yeast was not only tempering the sweetness, but it was actually imparting a greater bitterness than what I usually perceive from Mosaic. Beyond that, it also had a dryness that was closer to the modern Brut IPAs, which I just happen to really like. Finish was fruity, semi-dry & a real treat. Mmm.

12oz canned 3/26/19 (16 days ago) poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass at fridge temp 6.5% ABV 50 IBU. The beer pours slightly hazy golden orange light amber with off white head. The head recedes slowly to a cap and leaves a little lacing. The aroma is fairly strong candied orange and pine. The taste is equal parts peppery Belgian yeast, citrus and pine with a firm medium bitter finish. The yeast does a great job of keeping the sweetness down while still allowing the hop flavor to come through in a balanced way. The mouthfeel is medium to thin bodied with just above average carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, excellent Belgian IPA. Probably my favorite of the series as some other hops get too earthy mixed with the house yeast.