Review: Lagunitas Hop Stoopid

Lagunitas introduced this new UNLIMITED release (meaning we should be able to find it year round!) last year, but just recently in 22oz bombers. I tried it at the PIBF last summer and swooned, so I was knee-slapping-thrilled to see at my local gas station (xoxoxo pdx).

This monster packs in 5lbs of hops per barrel - for a hop-head it's like looking into the monolith in '2001' (it's full of stars!). The Lagunitas site sums it up nicely:

"So Hoppy that it threatens to remove the enamel from one's teeth."

Read on for The Goodist's impressions...

The aroma in this pour is intoxicating in itself - citrus zest and tangerines with pink grapefruit - a scent that would make a lemon blush. A mild and mysterious grain sweetness keeps it balanced. Maybe the best aroma on an IPA ever.

Damn hoppy but not offensive on the palate. True to the aroma, it's strong pure citrus with a bready sweetness, but miles away from being even a remotely sweet IPA. I would have liked just a bit more malty balance, but that's just my personal IPA-style crush of the moment. Oily body upfront but then it vanishes with a crisp finish of sparkly dry champagne.

I paid $3.74... how the hell are they doing this? Isn't there a hop shortage?

ps. It's moments like these that I affirm my boycott of Rogue bottles - why should I pay a dollar more for an average beer that was made in my own damn town? Where does all your extra money go Rogue? Oh, and while we're talking, why don't you stamp the ABV on your bottles? ABV is a useful indicator of the character of a beer and helps me know what to expect before buying. Respectfully yours, The Goodist