Lagunitas Brewing Company CitruSinensis (2016) American Pale Ale at 7.9% ABV (C$3.58 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 355 ml, bottle date 15-Feb-2016, reviewed 23-Apr-2016)
Appearance: clear pale gold with one finger of rocky white head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, dank pine resin, pale malt, catty/garlic. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering slightly sticky bitter finish. (4/5)
Dunno what this is hopped with – my Google-fu fails on that count – but whether it’s Citra, Simcoe, or whatever, I’m getting a touch more cattiness (garlic/onion/vegetal) than I prefer. Not a whole lot, but enough that I can’t rate this any higher. Other than that, a solid brew. I’ve called it an APA here, since the label just calls it a Pale, but it bridges styes with A/IPA: the colour and body are APA-ish, but the ABV and flavour are definitely beefy enough to be considered an A/IPA. Then again, despite the higher ABV, it drinks like a session ale. I guess, call it a Pale and have done with it? (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
