Citra X Mosaic NEIPA
Anderson Craft Ales

355 mL can from the LCBO, included in an Anderson mixed pack. Reviewed from notes taken last winter. Dated Sep 16 2024 and served barely chilled.

Pours hazy and turbid, its pale golden yellow-hued body graced with one finger of soapy white head that falls apart within two minutes. A thin collar is the sole survivor, with scant lace production; looks normal enough. I am getting papaya and passion fruit on the nose, as well as hints of lychee, honeydew melon, grapefruit and rose water. Quite enticing.

A tasty pale ale that effectively showcases both Mosaic and Citra hops; I'm getting an eclectic blend of lychee, papaya, passion fruit and gooseberry at the forefront. Citrusy notes of orange and grapefruit are also apparent, as is its bready, wheaty malt backdrop. Finishes with floral hops, pink grapefruit and berries that fade into a fruity aftertaste. Medium-full in body, with low carbonation and an exceptionally smooth, soft, juicy mouthfeel that makes for a very crushable NEIPA.

Final Grade: 3.92, a B+. Anderson's Citra x Mosaic NEIPA is good, but 'great' might be a stretch. It's more palatable than the Lotus single hop, but a bit less aromatic. One thing I'm noticing is that the NEIPAs in this mixed pack all seem to have the same malt base. On one hand, that's convenient, because having a stable backdrop helps the drinker to focus on the differences in aromas & flavours between the different hop strains. On the other hand, it could also be seen as kinda lazy - four of the beers in this pack are just variations on the same template. I guess it depends on what you want out of a mixed pack: maximum variety, or an opportunity to broaden & sharpen your senses.

Pours a little bit of foam. Dies down quick. Hazy and yeasty. Orange yellow IPA color. Grapefruit and orange zest aroma.
Taste is nice. Marmalade orange jam with some light lowers. Easy to drink and a pretty good IPA. Try this one if you see it.

Apr 20 2025