Lagunitas Lucky #13

We haaave a winnerrrr!!! I haven’t had a beer this drinkable in recent memory. Doesn’t overpower you with ridiculous hop content, doesn’t load you down with head-hurt "buzz" like with a Barley Wine, it’s just a classic strong Red with ample hints of rye. An interesting aroma of rye accented by chipotly-ey peppery something; the point is that it’s accented with a sharpness that I rarely get in an aroma. The point is that it’s interesting and keeps you sniffing out of the bottle, but of course you get impatient and pour. Long story short, much like this Delius I’m listening to ("A Song of Summer," segueing into "Irmelin Prelude"), its understated subtlety brings forth a sweet beauty. An outstanding offering from Lagunitas at just over $3/bomber. Why does it have to be only seasonal?

Pours a dark amber color w/ a tall lasting head. Sticky lacing w/ a fluffy ring and partial canopy. Strong aromas of citrus rind. Full nectar w/ soft and creamy residual effers. Nice! Strict hops balance a sturdy malt body creating a superlative sense of equilibrium within this specimen’s overall makeup. It’s beautiful I tell you. For extreme red this one pulls off the unexpected balancing act w/ only a mild sweetness factor. The hop component really digs in and scars the user like aspirin. Caramel, leather, and citrus interwoven perfectly. The finish is long w/ gobs of asprin hop fulfillment. Highly recommended.

A nice dark amber-brown, it pours with a thin but persistent head. Aroma is very hoppy and makes one think of an evergreen tree. Taste is outrageously hoppy - a must for any hop fanatic! The flavor is like the way a pine tree smells, but there is minimal bitterness. This is a beer to be sipped and savored. Even with all its hoppiness, it is smooth and pleasant to drink.

This for me was the "best of show" at the March 9, 2007 Beer and Bread Beerfest in Arcata, CA.. Poured a simply beautiful dark amber tending toward copper that raised a remarkably attractive off-white head that left clean rings of lacing as it slowily diminished. Af first sniff you are simply blasted by the pine hops. Smells almost like an IPA. A couple swirls of the glass then released some wiffs of lemon. Mouthfeel is like liquid gold, with a wonderful zip to it without any bite. Flavors are more malts and caramel as it shows up as a strong ale instead of an IPA The alcohol is nicely hidden. You can probably tell I liked this one a lot, and for me is the best thing Lagunitas has ever produced. We simply have to get some on the shelves up here in Eureka so others can relish this fantastic brew.

Red amber with big, foamy tan head / Nose of hops, citrus, and burnt sugar / Medium body, slightly sweet, with good malts and creamy hops, and with long, dry finish / Flavors of burnt sugar, grapefruit, and dry hops / And since they mention it, slightly reminicent of Anchor Steam.