Samuel Adams Rebel Rider Session IPA
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rollin', rollin', rollin', keep those bottles rollin' right outta here! It is slow going, but progress is being made.

From the bottle: "Bursting with bright citrus, grapefruit, and classic piney west coast hop character, this beer has a soft lingering bitterness and a lighter body overall. Our session IPA is brewed for easygoing days, so relax and enjoy!"

I Pop!ped the cap following another long day on my feet. I did not feel like dealing with any untoward accidents, so I employed a gentle pour. I followed that up with an in-glass swirl that raised a finger of foamy, tawny head with decent retention. Color was Golden-Amber (SRM = > 5, < 7) with NE-quality clarity, prompting a visit from the Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus. Nose had a lemony-grapefruit citrusy bite, but I remained skeptical since these Session IPAs are all-too-often all aroma and no taste. Mouthfeel was medium. The taste was muted when compared to the nose. Yes, I tasted the grapefruit, lemon-citrus & pine, but it was like it was muted to the point that I had to go searching for it. Finish was semi-dry and frankly kind of bland & boring. They should make the American Session IPA its own category because it never measures up stylistically.