My first IPA love was none other than the Lagunitas IPA. It was a hoppy beer with a fairly substantial malt backbone that was well balanced. Perhaps my tastes have changed since then, but, while I still enjoy the beer I’d no longer count it as among my favorite IPAs. The last time I had it, the malt character was more pronounced than the hops, which themselves lacked a really powerful zestiness. I liked it, but not as much as I once did.
The Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, however, may put a Lagunitas IPA back into my top 10 list. A seasonal release, it is a beer that is absolutely loaded with complex hop aroma and a lovely citrusy flavor with a light fullness from the addition of wheat. It’s the kind of beer you want to keep smelling, as the hops leap from the glass to please the palate.
Pick up a six pack while it’s still in season! My review is below.
Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’
India Pale Ale
Aroma
Apricot, pineapple, lemon, and fruit esters leap out with a heaping dose of fruity and citrusy American hops. Has an almost bubblegummy aroma with a hint of earthiness from the hops. Absolutely brimming with complexity in the aroma. No diacetyl, low malt character, perhaps just a hint of caramel.
12/12 points
Appearance
Opaque old with small head that recedes quickly, although the lacing that is there sticks mightily to the glass.
2/3 points
Flavor
Tart, very bitter, finishes moderately dry. Complexity in aroma diminishes somewhat in the sip. Flavor displays more pronounced citrusy tartness with a shy pineapple sweetness. Lingering sharp bitterness borders on astringent. A hint of bready maltiness on the back of the palate. There is a kind of clean crispness, likely from the addition of wheat. No diacetyl.
16/20 points
Mouthfeel
Medium-light bodied, finishes dry and bitter, although the sense of body and round fruitiness expands as the beer warms. Moderate carbonation. No alcohol warming up front.
4/5 points
Overall
This is a beer you want to smell and smell. The hops and the yeast combine to create a fruity, tropical ballet. Unfortunately, I think that it doesn’t deliver so well on the flavor, given its wonderful aroma. It could use a hint more sweetness, perhaps a tad less bittering, and more hops for flavoring. My perception may be slightly influenced by the temperature I drank this at. As the beer warmed, the body and flavor all became magnified in a positive way. In all,it is an enjoyable beer that delivers a punch of classic American hop character that will just keep satisfying.
8/10 points
Total: 42/50, Excellent
