Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Terrapin Mosaic 2020 Seasonal (Review)

I’ve been lucky enough to interview Spike Buckowski from Terrapin Beer six different times on the radioin Aug 2010 when we sampled Big Hoppy Monster with Spike, I knew Terrapin had something special to offer.  Just recently, Terrapin was kind enough to share their new Can Dispensary Pack with me, so I was excited to get my hands on a returning favorite coming back as a 2020 seasonal from Terrapin.
Terrapin just announced their first seasonal release for 2020, and it will mark the return of a beer that I didn’t get my hands on last time.  I’m talking about Mosaic Red Rye IPA and if you’re not familiar, this beer first came out as part of the Side Project Series (#19 in the series) and moved in as a seasonal in 2014.  The beer is a single-hopped IPA and if you guessed that it uses Mosaic hops, you’d be right.
From the Label: Like a fine piece of art, “Mosaic” Red Rye IPA is masterfully created by using 100% Mosaic hops throughout the brew. With its aesthetically pleasing ruby red color and spatial depth from the rye malt, this hand-crafted masterpiece leaves your palate’s canvas open to interpretation.
Of course I can’t wait to try it out, so off we go.
Terrapin Mosaic pours a dark and pleasing deep red color and the aromas lead with rye malt, and a touch of spice.  There’s a hint of grapefruit in the aroma, but it’s late and subtle.  The rye takes center stage with the flavors as well, but with some biscuit and peach flavors I really liked.  The rye does dominate, but there’s a lot of fruit going on from dark cherry and raisin to citrus and grapefruit.  The Mosaic hops are very subtle but the fruit and bitter flavors they impart work well with the rye malt.  The finish is a bit on the dry side and overall I really liked the balance and the creative use of rye malt.
Terrapin Mosaic is being released now in 6-packs of 12oz cans and on draft as Terrapin’s first 2020 seasonal beer, so get out there and try it for yourself.  And when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.