Lagunitas A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale
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Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with a generous wave of citrus and tropical fruit — orange peel, mango, a touch of passionfruit — backed by a soft floral note from the heavy wheat malt bill. On the palate it's fuller-bodied than most IPAs, with a smooth, almost creamy texture that softens the assertive hop bitterness. Flavors of grapefruit rind and pine resin dominate mid-palate, with a lightly bready sweetness underneath that keeps things balanced. The finish is bitter but not harsh, trailing off with a lingering herbal dryness.
About the Brewery
Lagunitas was founded in 1993 in Lagunitas, California before relocating its primary operations to Petaluma, and later expanded with a major Chicago facility. The brewery built its identity on bold, hop-forward ales and a countercultural, self-deprecating brand voice that set it apart from more corporate craft players. Heineken acquired a majority stake in 2015 and full ownership in 2017, though the brewing operation and core lineup have remained largely intact. They're particularly well-regarded for their IPA and for pushing wheat-heavy hybrid formats like this one.
Food Pairings
Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well because the beer's residual wheat sweetness tempers heat without disappearing behind bold chiles. A classic cheeseburger with sharp cheddar is a natural match, the hop bitterness cutting through fat while the malt body holds its own. Fish tacos with a citrus slaw mirror the beer's tropical and citrus notes in a complementary way. Aged gouda or a medium-firm manchego pair cleanly, the beer's bitterness providing contrast to the cheese's caramel richness. Grilled chicken with herb seasoning also works, the floral hop character echoing fresh herb without overwhelming lighter proteins.
Style Guide
This beer straddles the line between an American Wheat Ale and an American IPA — it uses a substantial wheat malt base, which contributes body and a soft texture uncommon in standard IPAs, while the hop load and bitterness levels sit firmly in IPA territory. American IPAs are defined by their use of American hop varieties high in citrus and pine aromatics, typically landing between 6–7.5% ABV with a pronounced but not astringent bitterness. The style emerged from West Coast craft brewing in the 1980s and 1990s and remains the backbone of the American craft beer category. What separates a wheat-forward IPA like this from a straight American IPA is that creamier mouthfeel and slightly softer bitterness profile the wheat grain provides.