Reviewing the Hop Stoopid Ale from Lagunitas Brewing Company.Score: 85
Bottle neck code "32121107." Received as part of a mid-December 2011 trade as part of an excellent mystery box from BeerAdvocat user Centennial. Served in a Great Lakes snifter glass and enjoyed on 01/23/12.
Appearance: Pours a translucent-ish straw-like orange color with a finger of white head that settles into a ring around the glass and spotty coating across the top of the glass. Some head sticks to the side of the glass as the beer settles. Consumption leaves an oily lacing. 4/5
Smell: Sweet caramel, molasses and earthy hops. Very sweet, sugary citrus aroma. Maybe orange pulp and candied grapefruit? Some pine resin/sap. 3.5/5
Taste: First pull is a bittersweet and malty orange citrus flavor. Tons of hops here. The hops in this beer are largely earthy and dank, giving off a fresh dirty/mulch-like bitterness. Some piney hops are in the mix too. Sweet caramel malt really comes out towards the back half of the beer. 3.5/5
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Juicy, bitter, sweet and sticky mouthfeel/finish. 3.5/5
Overall: A sweeter imperial IPA done right. He'Brew should try this one, take notes and then reformulate their Lenny's R.I.P.A. formula.
Recommendation: Hops haters and dislikers of sweeter beers beware. This one is quite hop-forward and sweet. Not a great beer for the casual beer drinker, but beer geeks should enjoy this one.
Pairings: The sweetness of the beer would complement the spiciness of Thai or Indian food well.
Cost: $4.49 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.
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