From the Brewery: 

“At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt that the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh hops and malt. Caution: May remove enamel from teeth. This is Lagunitas IPA pumped up by about 30%!” 8.2% ABV

Purchased from The Fort in Fresno, California.

The Pour: 

Poured from a 22 oz bomber into a beer mug (I know, not exactly the right glassware, but I just got it and wanted to use it…and I got it all to fit in the glass). Dark copper and honey colored, with a large off white head that leaves heavy lacing. Trace carbonation is visible.

The Nose: 

Citrus hops dominate the aroma; orange, mango, lemon and grapefruit. There are also some faint malt undertones, as well as a bit of an earthy/grassy aroma.

The Mouth: 

Medium bodied and very silky smooth going down. The flavors are predominately the citrus hops, again (in order): mango, orange, lemon and grapefruit. A bit of malt sweetness comes through in the aftertaste, but the main lingering flavor is a slightly dry medium hop bitterness.

Final Thoughts: 

IPA weekend continues! Somehow this is my first review from Lagunitas, and if their other offerings are of the same quality range as Maximus, I’ll be pretty happy. A very sound, but not overpowering hop flavor, mixed with just enough quality malts make this a very enjoyable beer. I want to say it seems refreshing, but I’m not sure how an 8.2% Imperial/Double IPA could be labeled as such (though it hides its ABV very well, I get no alcohol flavor at all). This isn’t quite the “hop bomb” I was expecting, but it is a skillfully crafted IPA with flavors notes right on key. 8.5/10

Lagunitas Brewing Company – Petaluma, California