Brewed by the Summit Brewing Company of St. Paul, Minn., Sága IPA is named after the Norse goddess of poetry and drinking companion of Odin.
Sága IPA is an excellent West Coast-style IPA. Though it is a little maltier than some versions of the style, Sága features that hallmark burst of tropical fruit, citrus and bitterness.
While Summit recommends serving in a nonick pint glass, a trusty shaker pint will do just fine. The color is hazy, deep gold. A finger-width of dense, off-white head will dissipate slowly, leaving an even skim and a collar of foam around the edge. The aroma is a bouquet of flowery, earthy hops, light citrus and fruit, including kiwi, passion fruit, grapefruit and apricot. Caramel and pale malts provide balance and there is also a hint of pine.
The flavor mostly mirrors the smell, though the beer’s 80 IBUs are noticeable on the tonsils and tongue. But it is far from a hop bomb, as the malts provide a tasty balance. Built on the malt foundation are flavors of kiwi, apricot, passion fruit, earthy hops, a little citrus and pine.
Serving temperature: Summit recommends serving at 45ºF.
Alcohol content: 6.4 percent ABV.
Food pairings: Summit recommends spicy cuisines, sharp cheeses, hearty meats and seafood.
Where to buy: Sága IPA is widely available in cans and bottles, though to be honest, I think it tastes better out of the can. It is also on tap at many local bars, including 2 Dogs Pub.
Price: $7.50–$8 per six-pack; $13 per 12-pack.
