Sam Adams Rebel Rider Session IPA

This is a 4.5% ABV West Coast style session IPA from the Boston Brewing Company, makers of Samuel Adams beers.  While their Rebel IPA came out about a year ago, doing West Coast style hoppy beers is still relatively new territory for this long-standing craft brewer. They also have a just released Double IPA in this lineup called Rebel Rouser, which I hope to try soon.

The beer pours a deep, sparkling golden in color. It has a tall, thick, foamy head of white. The aroma is citrus, mango, tropical, with a bit of pine. The taste follows the aromas, but is much more mild.  I wish the flavors were as strong as the aroma. It drinks very easy, crisply carbonated, ending with a light to moderate bitterness. This is nicely drinkable, but needs to have its flavors match the level of aroma to measure up to some of the better session IPA's out there.