I feel like I've reviewed a lot of Lagunitas beer at this point. They really do make great stuff considering the prices they ask. Why does this have alt on the label? It seems pretty clear that an OG of 1.085 and 8.9% ABV pretty much disqualifies it from ever being classified as such. More appropriately, many websites have labeled this as a strong ale. Many places list it as an alt, though, which they can't be blamed for given that's what it says on the label. I really don't know what they were going for. Anyway, the only other thing the label indicated is 76.92 IBUs (they are always precise).
It's a very clear orangish gold color. Seems pretty fizzy when poured but left no head whatsoever, which is likely thanks to the huge alcohol. Fierce citrus hop and alcohol aroma. The alcohol really seems to give a sharp zing to the citrus, making it most reminiscent of a lemon. This absolutely dominated the nose and little can be said about anything else in here.
Upon tasting, definitely getting some strong toasted malts with maybe a splash of biscuit. Little sweet and caramely. This is taken over almost immediately by a soothing alcohol flavor with an impressively well-balanced bitterness. Hop flavor is very grapefruity and piney, which like the aroma is really given a zing by the alcohol. There is a bit of alcohol burn, but is actually very warming and pleasant. The pine definitely seems to linger more than anything. Medium body with just enough carbonation.
Very good, no major complaints. A stronger malt backbone could have balanced out the huge alcohol/bitterness, but it still works just fine. I must say that the brewers definitely handled the alcohol content with the hops bill quite well. I guess my biggest criticism would be the confusion it has created with the name.
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