Wednesday, March 28, 2007 

Lagunitas Maximus Double IPA


88 / 100
Now that this is available in 6 packs, it has become a near permanent fixture in my refrigerator. Very few double IPAs are available in 6 pack and none are of this quality and relative accessibilty to me.

It has a dark, caramel-like color to it, in fact the aroma kinda follows that as well. There is sweetness in the malt character that is very appealing and balances well with the massive hop presence. The flavor is less balanced, but this is a DIPA – so it wasn’t much expected. Hops all over the place: piney, sweet and citrus flavors shine. The finish is clean, less bitter than I would expect. There’s something very clean about this beer.

For the price and availability here in Southern California- it’s hard to beat.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 

Santa Cruz Mountain IPA


59 / 100

In the thumbs-up / thumbs-down world that we like to live in - I have to go with down. I struggled with it, but this is just isn't good enough.



It starts well enough - looks like an IPA. The smells has not enough hops to warrant it though. Lots of malts and not very balanced. The malt character has a sweetness that is pleasant. It's not the worst beer - it's just doesn't scream "West Coast IPA" to me.



In California, with some many delicious IPAs to choose from - I'd skip this one.