Roughtail released Batch Six of their imitable Adaption for first time as a brewery release on Saturday, this time using 4 pounds per barrel of fresh Mosaic hops. This were on the bine 24 hours before they were in the kettle, and it shows in this fresh and zesty brew. 260 cases were produced. Anything left over from the brewery release will be sent out to stores, but there were no limits so it may be a tad tough to get. Folks seemed to be stocking up when I was in line. Should be available for a bit on tap at Roughtail’s taproom.

Company: Roughtail Brewing Co.

Location: Midwest City, OK

ABV: 6.5%

IBUs: 65

Style/Description: American Style IPA

Price: $16.75 per four pack

Appearance: Pours a clear light copper, with a moderate light head, some lace and rising bubbles.

Nose: Surprisingly mild aroma. Hop esters dominate, with tropicals, peaches and mild spicy resins. Citrus juice and some caramel malt.

Taste: Have you ever thought about running a tropical juice blend through a hop rocket? No? You should start homebrewing, maybe. In any case, that’s about what this tastes like. Plenty of the tropical fruits you’d expect from Mosaic like pineapple and mango, with some peach and orange as well. Nice bitter spicy hops cut some of the sweet juiciness, as some grassy hay and vegetal spiciness. The body and mouthfeel leave a bit to be desired however, with a somewhat thin body and a fizzy carb. Roughtail announced that they brewed a “very light American Style IPA as the base to let the Mosiac really shine,” but I feel that the lack of a malt backbone detracts from my overall impression. As pretty as this beer is, I miss the orange juice milkshake appearance and mouthfeel of some of the earlier Adaptions.

Finish: Clean finish with a bit of citrus peel hanging around on the palete.

Overall: A tasty brew to be sure, and it uses a ton of Mosiac, one of my favorite hops. I was hoping for the New England style citrus bombs, but definitely enjoyed this latest recipe. Buy ‘em and drink ‘em fast, those delicate wet hops are disintegrating as you read this.

Rating: 4/5