Lagunitas IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with piney resin and citrus peel — grapefruit and a bit of orange — undercut by a grassy, slightly dank hop character. On the palate, it's firmly bitter with a malt backbone that's present but clearly subordinate, leaning biscuity rather than sweet. The body is medium, with enough weight to carry the hops without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and lingers with resinous bitterness, which is the point.
About the Brewery
Lagunitas was founded in 1993 in Petaluma, California, later adding a Chicago facility to handle national distribution. They built their reputation on hop-forward, unfiltered beers with a counterculture brand personality. Heineken acquired a majority stake in 2015 and full ownership by 2017, though the brewing operation has remained largely consistent. Their IPA became one of the top-selling craft IPAs in the United States and is widely considered a benchmark for the West Coast style.
Food Pairings
The beer's resinous bitterness cuts well against fatty foods — a cheeseburger with sharp cheddar works because the hops scrub through the richness. Fish tacos pair naturally, since citrus hop notes echo lime and pick up the lightness of fried white fish. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes find a reasonable partner here because hop bitterness can temper heat without amplifying it the way sweetness sometimes does. Strong, aged cheeses like aged gouda or a sharp white cheddar also hold their own against the assertive hop profile.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by prominent hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor — typically showcasing citrus, pine, or tropical fruit depending on the hop varieties used — with a moderate malt base that supports rather than competes. The style grew out of English IPA traditions but diverged significantly in the 1980s and 1990s on the American West Coast, where brewers pushed bitterness and dry-hopping further than their British counterparts. Compared to a Double IPA, the alcohol and hop load are more restrained; compared to a Pale Ale, the bitterness is sharper and the hop presence considerably more assertive.