PREVIEW: Summit Brewing’s Sága IPA
“Summit Sága IPA, a decidedly different IPA with pronounced hop flavor and tropical fruit aromas. Named after the Norse Goddess of Poetry, who was the God Odin’s drinking companion… also, it was quite a saga to pick a name!”
The details
IBU: 80
ABV: 6.4%
Hops: Centennial, Amarillo™, Citra™, New Zealand Rakau
Malts: Harrington, Caramel
Availability: Releases on May 14, to be brewed year-round. Available in 6-packs, same price point as EPA
The Review
Appearance: The head is fluffy, and off-white. The body is clear golden/amber hued, about 6-9 SRM.
Aroma: The beer immediately releases a resinous, piney nose, which opens up to a mild fruity bouquet, reminiscent of peach and mango.
Flavor: Sága has pleasant hop bitterness, supported by a caramel malt body. The peach notes from the nose carry through, with hints of kiwi and mango. The combination of Citra™, Amarillo™, and Rakau hops yielded more fruit flavor than with other examples of an IPA.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, finishing with no alcohol heat. The carbonation is standard, not overpoweringly effervescent. There is little to no lingering bitterness.
Overall: Sága is an awesome addition to the Summit lineup. It’s not as aggressive as an imperial IPA, sitting nicely at just over 6%. The beer would be a great compliment to spicy foods, like vegan three-bean chili. To the best of my recollection, this is the first time I’ve had a beer with Rakau hops. I look forward to enjoying beers like Sága, with wonderful hop aromatics and less bitterness than with other IPAs, this summer.
Thanks to Jon Landers of Summit Brewing for providing this sample.
