Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/413994
november 2014 / the tasting panel / 1 15 BEANTOWN NATIVES Angry Orchard Importing bittersweet and culinary apples from Europe, Angry Orchard has become America's top-selling cider in just a few short years. This cider balances the sweetness from the apples with a dry crispness, leaving the palate clean and begging for more. From the Experts: "Concentrated flavors and aromas of apples—this is what bottled cider should taste like. With a long, lingering finish, it would be a great choice for fall." —Scott Shumate, Beverage Specialist, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Rebel IPA A West Coast–style IPA, pine, citrus and slightly fruity notes shine through, and while one might expect the hops to over- power, the brewers at Samuel Adams decided to go a different route and add balance with a malt profile of Caramel 60 and their own two-row pale malt blend. From the Experts: "Nice golden color with big West Coast hops up front and all the way through. That being said, it's not overpowered with IBUs. This IPA has all the characteristics one would demand, but does not overwhelm. Nice job!" —Steve McGinty, Category Manager for Beer and Liquor, Giant Eagle, Cleveland BOSTON BEER COMPANY MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Omission Lager Brewed with Sterling, Mount Hood and Hallertau hops, this lager—crafted to remove the gluten—has won a Gold Medal in the gluten-free beer category and a Silver Medal in the helles lager category at the 2012 and 2013 Great International Beer and Cider Competition, respectively. From the Experts: "With a light mouthfeel, this very sessionable lager would pair perfectly with a sunny day at the beach or a backyard barbecue. Its high carbonation and slight bite of hops produce a crisp finish—a clean beer, but by no mean tasteless." —Emily Coleman, Associate Editor, THE TASTING PANEL Magazine Omission Pale Ale This beer fits neatly into the classical definition of an American pale ale, while still remaining gluten-free through a special process that removes the gluten after fermentation. Coming in at around 33 IBUs, this pale ale's Cascade hop profile is contrasted beautifully with the caramel malt. From the Experts: "Malt with a touch of hops on the nose. A low-to-medium mouthfeel and clean bitterness create a well-balanced beer; great for those just getting into craft beer or looking for a gluten-free alternative." —Scot Blair, owner, Hamilton's Tavern, San Diego OMISSION BREWING CO. Brandon Kelmar, Regional Manager National Accounts, The Boston Beer Company. Amy Jeuck, Omission Brand Ambassador, Omission Beer Co.