Lagunitas Brewing Company Super Cluster American IPA at 8% ABV | 60 IBU (US$1.99 at Brix Bottleshop, 355 ml, packaged on 1-Sep-2018, acquired 22-Oct-2018, reviewed 31-Oct-2018)
Appearance: clear deep gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to a medium cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, dank pine, tropical fruit, pale malt, herbal, hint of cattiness. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering and building bitter finish. (4/5)
Yes, OK, I know, they’re Heineken, and they’re on my shit list. And to be honest, I’ve stuck to that boycott for so long that I’d pretty much forgotten how good they were – and still are, if we’re honest. And this is really good: lots of bright citrus leads the way over some dank pine and tropical, almost floral herbal notes. There’s a hint of cattiness (or maybe green onion) towards the end, as it warms, but it’s neither unexpected for Citra hops, nor off-putting. I can see why they’re not calling this a DIPA despite the emphatic ABV, because it drinks like something from a much lower weight class. Worth maybe briefly bending your boycott. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
