It has taken me a little while to get into the swing of things during the first days of the new year. I am sure everyone else is just as busy as they crash from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am back though and with a trifecta of reviews on beers that may already have left shelves. However, if you do locate one of these brews, they are all worth the price of admission. Here we go:
Lagunitas Sucks American Strong Ale
I was very pleased to find this at Liquor World off of Preston Highway. I had been dropping my girlfriend off at work and popped in as I had previously become impressed with their beer selection. While their selection is not massive, they carried all the gems you see here today. In fact, I hadn't been able to locate this one or the Evil Twin on any of my Liquor Barn trips. Anyways, I digress...I popped it open with anticipation. Upon pouring, the subtle nose assaulted my senses with hints of lemon zest, orange pith, and alcohol. Light floral notes and hints of pine also were noted. The taste was intriguing with a soapy front end. Floral notes and orange pith worked their way in as well. The finish ramps up the bitterness and offers flavors of grass and toast, with that soapiness lingering as well. It certainly was not at all what I expected.
Mike's Rating - 8.25/10
Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail Single Hop Simcoe Edition
This was a pleasant find, as I am a huge fan of Evil Twin's Molotov Cocktail. A chance at a single hop edition was just too good to pass up. The nose was quite fragrant. It practically exploded with luscious aromas. Grapefruit, orange juice, lavender, and pine all combined to make the nose quite enticing. The taste was instantly sweet, which I am usually not a big fan of. However, with the high amount of alcohol, it was not unexpected. Plus, flavors of orange zest, orange pith, and perfume quickly helped me to get over the sweetness. The finish was slightly bitter compared to the front and almost seemed light after the front was so flavorful. Flavors of pine and toasted cracker made for a pleasant ending.
Mike's Rating - 8.75/10
Lagunitas Brown Shugga
I have had a few of these throughout the last few weeks, and was fairly impressed. I had only had an aged version before, and looked forward to cracking this one open and giving it its due. Now, it is time to formerly rate and critique it. I have decided to literally give you my thoughts as I taste, something I don't usually do. I usually write down my notes and form a review after. So, as I write this review I am popping the top.
The beer is poured, and citrus and grapefruit immediately assault my nose after the pour. I am actually surprised the hops have held up as well in the nose since I bought this beer a few weeks ago. Orange juice and pine round out the nose on this very aromatic brew. The taste comes off with a blast of cologne and floral notes. A bit of sweetened lemon also crops up in there. The finish seems to provide a little more punch. Piney bitterness grabs my attention immediately. A bit of alcohol burn shines in before the finish pushes forward different flavors of lemon pith, crackers, and a hint of grass. Even weeks after, I am still impressed with this brew.
Mike's Rating - 9.25/10
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