This was labeled Sample A for Sam Adams’ 2010 Beer Lover’s Choice Longshot competition.

Sample A, a Belgian-style IPA, is an incredibly complex beer that begins with the fruity, sweet, slightly tart and spicy characteristics of Belgian ale yeast. The blend of malts, including a traditional slow-roasted Czech variety, adds a crisp, slightly roasty note. This is complemented by a combination of German and American hops, which add complex notes of eucalyptus, pine and citrus. The beer finishes with the distinct hop bitterness expected from an IPA, immediately demanding a second sip.