Lagunitas ‘The Waldos’ Special’ (AKA Waldo’s 420 2016) Beer Review

Brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

11.50% ABV

Availability: spring

Enjoyed from a tulip glass

A: Pours a clear orange with a finger of foamy white head, moderate lacing and retention.

S: Boozy orange rind, lemon, grapefruit, peach, overwhelming dank notes of pine and tropical fruits.

T: Wow. At the risk of saying “dank” again, I’m saying screw it; DANK citrus and pine rushes over the tongue. Bitter, bruising, and plentiful hops overload. Bitter grapefruit, apricot, pineapple, yet still with a sweet malt backbone that balances the dankness perfectly. Feels like it could overpower your taste buds for a hot second, but downshifts nicely. The formidable alcohol level is magnificently hidden.

M: Medium bodied, bitter and subdued on the tongue despite the hop presence.

O: $11 a six pack for this level of DIPA? This is easily a Hopslam, Younger, Surly competitor, hands down. I initially picked up a sixer of this only to return the next day for the rest of a case. No hype – this is a truly killer hop entry that requires your attention. Cheers!