Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale

Brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
Petaluma, California USA

(bottle) Pours a red-copper beer with a thin white head. Strong aroma of bitter, grapefruit hops - clean and green. There is also a sweet caramel malt character to the aroma. Flavor has surprising amount of dark spice and sweetness, but bitterness in the aroma holds true all the way through, with a bitingly bitter finish and very strong aftertaste. Medium to full bodied, somewhat sticky.

I was a bit confused with this offering from Lagunitas. Citrus, malt, medium body, that came off as a barley-wine "light". Must be an American Strong Ale. Bottle poured very flat, just a few bubbles poking through.

From a 12oz bottle at World Beer Festival in Raleigh NC. Hoppy brew with a citrus and pine nose. Taste is typical Lagunitas which comes off more like an IPA than anything - for those of us who love the trademark hoppiness of Lagunitas this is another solid brew - for those looking for something a little less hoppy then I suggest looking elsewhere. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

12oz bottle poured into tulip Poured a nice honey copper color with a dense white foam head. Some lacing, and an iceberg of head floating in the center. Smells of sugar and hops. Tastes of bitter hops, somewhat earthy tasting, but not piney. Sweet malt backbone, some taste of molasses and bread. Overall an OK beer, but not what I would expect given this beer’s story. It could be a lot bigger and brighter. With that said, the alcohol is well hidden, but you still get a nicec warming effect after you drink it. Good, not great.

bottle. pours a light red with an average white head. there is a good amount of hops in here.... almost reminds me of a IIPA... could be an Imperial Red. citrus hops and sweet malt through the aroma. medium body with a big spicy hop character throughout. lots of sugar and some underlying caramel as well. nice bitter finish with a balanced malt back. Overall a solid beer... definitely will be buying this again.

12 oz Bottle, at WBF in Raleigh. pours copper colored, with a medium white head, lacing. Nose is quite hoppy, with a nice caramel and toasted malt smell. Flavor is similar, bit bitter in the end, but overall hops and malt work well together.

Compliments of Steve-O, at Eduardo’s beer pimp palace. Pours caramel and with citrus tones, fruits-very fresh. Taste is of caramel, and dark crystal malts balanced nicely with citrus and mango, a nice bitterness throughout. Awesome beer, would love to try on tap.

Bottle. Moderate malt and hop notes of cookie and caramel, and perfume and a little citrus, light soap for the yeast, and hints of vinegar, solvent, wine, pepper, alcohol and pineapple. Head is small, creamy, slightly off-white with fair lacing and good legs and is mostly diminishing. Color is clear light copper. Flavor starts moderately sweet and acidic, then finishes lightly sweet, acidic and bitter. Palate is medium, creamy, has a lively carbonation and finishes lightly astringent. A good American Strong Ale, but a few harsh attributes threw the numbers off a bit.