Karl Strauss Mosaic Session Ale
Brewed by: Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Beer Classification and Specs
- Style: Ale
- Variation: Session
- Seasonal: No
- ABV: 5.5%
- IBU: 45
Notes: Has won 2 bronze, 1 silver, and 2 gold medals.
Brewer’s Notes and Ingredients
Back when the Mosaic hop first came on the scene, our brewers couldn’t wait to get their hands on some. Now, with three medals (and counting!) for this session beer, our crew is still just as smitten. Mosaic Session Ale is bursting with vibrant grapefruit aroma and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. Our signature dry-hopping technique delivers an incredibly drinkable, lower ABV beer; without sacrificing hop appeal.
Hops: Mosaic
Malts: Pale Malt, White Wheat, C10
More Mosaic Session Ale Images
First Impressions
Artwork: Sunny background with a mosaic hop rendered in the style of a stained glass mosaic.
Color: Hazy, yet glowing iridescent golden hue.
Aroma: Mild grain with grapefruit and melon.
The Tasting
Arrived in: 22oz. Bottle
Served in: Official Karl Strauss Pint Glass
Until sours arrived on the scene, Session IPAs were the “it” beer. But that’s one style we never understood the point to… initially. Either drink your IPA slower, or work on your tolerance, right? Just kidding. Kind of.
Really, our problem in the beginning was that many session ales were poorly done, like some kind of craft beer light, or hoppy water. They also came across as a marketing ploy. Luckily Ballast Point’s Even Keel and Stone’s Go To eventually set the bar for what a quality SIPA should be all about.
Those two releases seem to top everyone’s Session IPA roundups, but Karl Strauss’ little gem does not. With summer turning up the heat, we wanted to review Karl Strauss Mosaic Session Ale to share one of our favorite session ales, that we feel deserves more attention.
This ale poured a large fluffy cumulus cloud-like head atop its glowing golden body. It left behind so much froth and lacing in the glass, you would think you were drinking a stout.
Mosaic Session Ale featured a soft and creamy mouthfeel up front from its sturdy lasting head, and slightly un-filtered wheat body. But just as you got to the finish, crispy, refreshing effervescence flared up.
As it sharpened, the ale’s true flavor burst. It went from mild floral, to an explosion of grapefruit that dominated our palate. From there, it transitioned to peach and melon, with a drying finish.
It’s also worth noting that Mosaic Session Ale clocks in at a modest 5.5% ABV, which is a typically higher ABV than most session ales. A plus for us, as well as its flavor being so intense for a lighter ale.
Most “standard” IPAs don’t pack as much juicy citrus and stone fruit as this easy drinker did. A prime example of the pungent mosaic hop in its purest form.
Karl Strauss has given us another strong reason to enjoy session ales – because Mosaic Session Ale is so delicious, we don’t want to stop drinking it.
Final Score: 4/5
Karl Strauss Mosaic Session Ale was extremely smooth, refreshing, and flavorful. What many session ales get wrong, Karl Strauss got right by adding some body and putting the mosaic hop center stage.