Press Release (edited by BeerPulse):
(Boston, MA) – Answering the call of hopheads everywhere, the brewers at Samuel Adams have added a new hop variety to the 2013 Latitude 48 IPA ingredient list. Mosaic hops – from the Yakima, Wash., growing region, the inspiration for the 2013 batch, impart a floral and tropical fruit character and add a fresh, unique flavor to this already-complex brew.
This previously experimental hop variety was first encountered by Jim Koch, Samuel Adams founder and brewer, after a hop selection trip a few years back. Jim learned about the new breed (then, known only as “#369” from the Hop Breeding Company) grown for its amped-up floral notes. He was able to obtain thirty pounds of this unique variety, first using it to create a limited-edition beer, SAVOR Flowers, brewed in collaboration with Dogfish Head for the SAVOR festival in Washington, DC in June 2011.
Now, after spending the last year experimenting more with Mosaic, the brewers have transformed the Latitude 48 IPA recipe, adding a new dimension to the hop line-up with this flavorful varietal. Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA gets its name from its most important ingredients: a select blend of hops from top German, English and American growing regions, all located near the 48th latitude along the “hop belt” of the Northern Hemisphere.
The 2013 batch is inspired by the new Mosaic hop variety, which imparts a floral and tropical fruit character and adds a fresh, unique flavor to this already-complex brew. Samuel Adams Latitude 48 also includes Bavarian Hallertau Mittelfrueh Noble hops for a citrus and spicy note, UK East Kent Goldings hops for an earthy and woody character, and US Simcoe and Zeus hops for piney, grapefruit flavors. In addition, this beer has an upfront sweetness with notes of honey and caramel from the malt, which nicely complement the complex hop character.
The 2013 release of Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA will be available in 6-packs ($8.99) and 12-packs ($13.99) nationwide beginning in February.
Update: Astute observation from Stan Hieronymus…
https://twitter.com/StanHieronymus/status/261574806300934145
When it’s fresh, Latitude is a darn good beer. It reminds me of New Holland Mad Hatter. There aren’t a lot of SA beers that I’d go out of my way to purchase but I’d have no problem picking up a fresh 12 pack of Latitude at that price.