Archive for December, 2010

Review: Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale

Author: Jason Harris
December 5, 2010

Do you like ales, kind of like an IPA, that pound you in the face with hoppy bitterness?  I do.  In fact, it’s my favorite kind of beer.  To me, 120 Minute IPA from DogFish Head is too sweet (think Barleywine) and leaves me wanting to pucker my lips when I’m done.

Today’s visit takes us to Petaluma -based Lagunitas brewery where we will try their Hop Stoopid Ale.

Hop Stoopid is a strong beer – measuring 8% in alcohol.  However, it doesn’t come across as being way too bitter.  I’m not sure what the IBU rating is, but Lagunitas balances the intense hop flavor with enough malt to make this a very smooth and balanced beer.

If you like a blast of bitter with a crisp finish, Hop Stoopid might be for you.  Please weigh in with your comments below if you’ve tried it!

Review: Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale

Author: Jason Harris
December 3, 2010

The Lagunitas review series continues, this time we’re visiting the summer ale Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ ale.  This beer is a seasonal summer ale that is intended to be an easy-drinking beer for a warm day.

What’s interesting is that I tried it on a cold windy day in an Oregon Fall day.  However, it did stand out.

Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale is a hearty wheat ale that is drinks smooth and makes for a very smooth drink.  Anyone familiar with Widmer Hefeweizen will like this beer.  It’s a bit more smooth and has a clean finish – and it doesn’t leave you with a ‘full feeling’ like a Hefe.  So, to me, it has the essence of a hefe but with the clean finish of a pale ale.