Deconstructing Latitude 48

Apparently Sam Adams wants to teach us about hops. I thought one of the Longshot beers a couple of years ago provided a nice hops education. But Latitude 48 Deconstructed, which is hitting KC store shelves this week, almost explicitly plans on doing it.  The 12 pack has 2 bottles of regular old Latitude 48 then it has 2 bottles each of Latitude 48 single hopped with each of the varieties of hops that Latitude 48 contains; Hallertau Mittelfrueh, East Kent Goldings, Ahtanum, Simcoe and Zeus. These single hopped beers will really give you an indication what each variety tastes like and help you become one of those beer geeks that can taste a beer and then tell you what kind of hops were used.

Unfortunately, I don't think Latitude 48 is that great of a beer. I just had one a couple of nights ago in my Sam Adams Summer Variety Pack and had to have a Shlafly Export IPA to clean my palate. But, this is a very interesting idea to deconstruct a beer and sell it in one convenient package. So in the interest of education, it may be worth your time and taste buds to give this a shot. Get together with a couple of friends, break out the pack and 6 tasting glasses each and drink this thing. Or set aside a Saturday, escape to your basement and drink the 6 varieties all by yourself. Maybe you'll gain a new appreciation for hops and their many flavors.