Laurelwood Megafauna
Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - Imperial
Ranked #211 - ABV:
- 9.5%
- Score:
- 94
Ranked #1,753 - Avg:
- 4.3 | pDev: 8.6%
- Reviews:
- 24
- Ratings:
- From:
- Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
- Oregon, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 17
- Gots
- 13
SCORE
94
Outstanding
94
Outstanding
Notes:
Reviews: 24
| Ratings: 110
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Treyliff from West Virginia
4.31/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle poured into a tulip glass
A- pours a deep golden Amber color with a one finger creamy white head that retains long after the pour, leaving some lacing behind
S- citrus and tropical hop aroma with notes of lime, pine, grass& some herbal & earthy notes
T- big blast of tropical fruit up front that gives juicy notes of mango, passion fruit, tangerine, and pear. The juicy flavor continues to the finish and lingers dry and fruity
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel and a crisp dry finish
O- juicy citrus hops with high drinkability
Sep 12, 2018
4.31/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle poured into a tulip glass
A- pours a deep golden Amber color with a one finger creamy white head that retains long after the pour, leaving some lacing behind
S- citrus and tropical hop aroma with notes of lime, pine, grass& some herbal & earthy notes
T- big blast of tropical fruit up front that gives juicy notes of mango, passion fruit, tangerine, and pear. The juicy flavor continues to the finish and lingers dry and fruity
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel and a crisp dry finish
O- juicy citrus hops with high drinkability
Sep 12, 2018
stevoj from Idaho
3.88/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle picked up at PDX, passing through. Medium, clear amber small ring of head. Aroma starts with some pungent hops before giving way to some leathery malts. Taste also starts with the hops, astringent and dank, but some solid malts bind the whole thing together. Lingering bitterness brings the palate back. Potent IPA.
Mar 21, 2018
3.88/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle picked up at PDX, passing through. Medium, clear amber small ring of head. Aroma starts with some pungent hops before giving way to some leathery malts. Taste also starts with the hops, astringent and dank, but some solid malts bind the whole thing together. Lingering bitterness brings the palate back. Potent IPA.
Mar 21, 2018
Lone_Freighter from Vermont
3.93/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a tulip, the appearance was a nice looking crisp semi-dark copper color with a sustaining finger's worth of white foamy head. Took a little bit, but it did slide off semi-slowly. Some ringy lace.
The aroma had a nice blend of sweet to bitter grassy to citrusy hops overcoating some piney-ness. Nice clean base malts coming in for balance.
The flavor had a huge amount of bittersweet citrusy and piney hops pushing down the caramel malts stealthily to ensue a spectacular balance all around. Smooth bittersweet clean malty aftertaste.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied with a great sipping quality about it. Carbonation felt appropriate as the bitter harshness does show some pizazz on my tongue, almost became overbearing, but wasn't. Light alcohol burn but actually became acceptable to me. ABV did feel as projected.
Overall, pretty nice west coast styled DIPA, I'd have again despite the alcohol burn.
Jun 06, 2017
3.93/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured into a tulip, the appearance was a nice looking crisp semi-dark copper color with a sustaining finger's worth of white foamy head. Took a little bit, but it did slide off semi-slowly. Some ringy lace.
The aroma had a nice blend of sweet to bitter grassy to citrusy hops overcoating some piney-ness. Nice clean base malts coming in for balance.
The flavor had a huge amount of bittersweet citrusy and piney hops pushing down the caramel malts stealthily to ensue a spectacular balance all around. Smooth bittersweet clean malty aftertaste.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied with a great sipping quality about it. Carbonation felt appropriate as the bitter harshness does show some pizazz on my tongue, almost became overbearing, but wasn't. Light alcohol burn but actually became acceptable to me. ABV did feel as projected.
Overall, pretty nice west coast styled DIPA, I'd have again despite the alcohol burn.
Jun 06, 2017
Back_in_the_Saddle from Vermont
4.09/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into a tulip.
The appearance was a orange color with a one finger white foamy head that dissipated at a nice pace.
Light lingering lacing starts to stick but slides for the most part.
The smell had a sharp resinous pine yielding to sweet onion and bleeding into some earthy to bready malts.
The taste takes the bitter resinous hop oils and becomes unrelenting on the malt profile - semi-sweet yet oily bitter and pronouncing itself into the aftertaste.
The mouthfeel was about a medium in body with a sticky sweet to bitter appeal on my tongue.
Carbonation hits appropriate as a DIPA.
Overall, this was a very nice DIPA that I could have again.
Nov 22, 2015
4.09/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into a tulip.
The appearance was a orange color with a one finger white foamy head that dissipated at a nice pace.
Light lingering lacing starts to stick but slides for the most part.
The smell had a sharp resinous pine yielding to sweet onion and bleeding into some earthy to bready malts.
The taste takes the bitter resinous hop oils and becomes unrelenting on the malt profile - semi-sweet yet oily bitter and pronouncing itself into the aftertaste.
The mouthfeel was about a medium in body with a sticky sweet to bitter appeal on my tongue.
Carbonation hits appropriate as a DIPA.
Overall, this was a very nice DIPA that I could have again.
Nov 22, 2015
Jeffsta1 from Washington
4.06/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pretty orange-tan color, head is pale, fine; didn't note amount or persistence.
Smell is mild, clean, apricots, hops.
Taste is quite good: well-integrated apricots, hops... reminiscent of Dogfish Head 90, but not (in taste) quite as compelling... I should try these side-by-side.
Mouthfeel is excellent. Rich, velvety, just lovely, perfect carbonation.
Finish is interesting, very well integrated with the beer as a whole, starts sweet, ends bitter; long.
May possibly be under-rating this. Try again with another great 2IPA.
Nov 15, 2015
4.06/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pretty orange-tan color, head is pale, fine; didn't note amount or persistence.
Smell is mild, clean, apricots, hops.
Taste is quite good: well-integrated apricots, hops... reminiscent of Dogfish Head 90, but not (in taste) quite as compelling... I should try these side-by-side.
Mouthfeel is excellent. Rich, velvety, just lovely, perfect carbonation.
Finish is interesting, very well integrated with the beer as a whole, starts sweet, ends bitter; long.
May possibly be under-rating this. Try again with another great 2IPA.
Nov 15, 2015
Jnarowe from Washington
4.49/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Delicate stone fruit aroma. Some floral notes. Amazing full rich flavor, great mouthfeel, and superbly balanced for a highly hopped strong ale. The palate is exquisite. Tasted at 58F.
Jul 27, 2015
4.49/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Delicate stone fruit aroma. Some floral notes. Amazing full rich flavor, great mouthfeel, and superbly balanced for a highly hopped strong ale. The palate is exquisite. Tasted at 58F.
Jul 27, 2015
mabermud from Washington
4.2/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A big robust DIPA with a deep amber/orange body, and a white clingy head. Today, the smell is of sparkling grapefruit, some juicy fruit, and honey. The taste is a rich, magnificent tropical fruit, grapefruit, hops, and pine. The mouthfeel is just right.
Overall, this is a nice notch up from the Workhorse IPA. The Workhorse is outstanding, and this is just as good. The Workhorse IPA is cute and pretty. This is her big sister, sexy, voluptuous, and robust.
A new favorite DIPA of mine from the growing lineup of the Pacific Northwest.
Update - This rating is for Megafauna from the tap...
Oct 12, 2014
4.2/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A big robust DIPA with a deep amber/orange body, and a white clingy head. Today, the smell is of sparkling grapefruit, some juicy fruit, and honey. The taste is a rich, magnificent tropical fruit, grapefruit, hops, and pine. The mouthfeel is just right.
Overall, this is a nice notch up from the Workhorse IPA. The Workhorse is outstanding, and this is just as good. The Workhorse IPA is cute and pretty. This is her big sister, sexy, voluptuous, and robust.
A new favorite DIPA of mine from the growing lineup of the Pacific Northwest.
Update - This rating is for Megafauna from the tap...
Oct 12, 2014
snaotheus from Washington
4.01/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 ounce bottle poured into a large mug. Bottle date is 8-20-14. I hope that's the bottled on date, not the best by.
Pours slightly cloudy amber brown with a small paddle head and a medium amount of slow fine carbonation. Smell is quite nice, grassy and fresh, slight pine, significantly floral, slight citrus.
Taste is slight caramel or toffee, not an overpowering hop presence but certainly noticeable. Slow, moderately bitter finish. Slight citrus sweetness, stronger citrus zest bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, a little chewy, a little sticky. Overall, very nice beer.
Sep 25, 2014
4.01/5 rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
22 ounce bottle poured into a large mug. Bottle date is 8-20-14. I hope that's the bottled on date, not the best by.
Pours slightly cloudy amber brown with a small paddle head and a medium amount of slow fine carbonation. Smell is quite nice, grassy and fresh, slight pine, significantly floral, slight citrus.
Taste is slight caramel or toffee, not an overpowering hop presence but certainly noticeable. Slow, moderately bitter finish. Slight citrus sweetness, stronger citrus zest bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, a little chewy, a little sticky. Overall, very nice beer.
Sep 25, 2014
Ja5onM from Oregon
4.75/5 rDev +10.5%
Poured dark orange from a growler purchased at a local establishment. Very hop forward beer with a fair amount of malt. Still very well balanced! Two thumbs up!
Sep 11, 2014
4.75/5 rDev +10.5%
Poured dark orange from a growler purchased at a local establishment. Very hop forward beer with a fair amount of malt. Still very well balanced! Two thumbs up!
Sep 11, 2014
mactrail from Washington
3.72/5 rDev -13.5%
Sweet and fruity in an appealing way. Handsome clear orangey color in the Affligem chalice. Modest foam but spritzy and tangy in the mouth.
Flavors of browned biscuits and orange marmalade. Mango is the big fruit flavor. Not excruciatingly bitter overall, but rather bitter aftertaste. Drier finish. On the acidic side.
A massive amount of flavor that lends itself to careful sipping. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Haggen's Market in Burlington, Wash.
4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.25
Sep 09, 2014
3.72/5 rDev -13.5%
Sweet and fruity in an appealing way. Handsome clear orangey color in the Affligem chalice. Modest foam but spritzy and tangy in the mouth.
Flavors of browned biscuits and orange marmalade. Mango is the big fruit flavor. Not excruciatingly bitter overall, but rather bitter aftertaste. Drier finish. On the acidic side.
A massive amount of flavor that lends itself to careful sipping. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Haggen's Market in Burlington, Wash.
4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.25
Sep 09, 2014
Alieniloquium from Florida
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance -Deep orange body. Off white head. Medium collar.
Smell - Citrus hops. Caramel malt. Boozy.
Taste - Tropical fruit and citrus. Caramel malt. Toasted malt. Booze and a fruity finish.
Mouthfeel - Medium to medium heavy. Boozy. Medium low carbonation.
Overall - I expected more from the ratings this gets. It's pretty sweet and doesn't quite deliver the hop flavor for such a high ABV.
Aug 24, 2014
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance -Deep orange body. Off white head. Medium collar.
Smell - Citrus hops. Caramel malt. Boozy.
Taste - Tropical fruit and citrus. Caramel malt. Toasted malt. Booze and a fruity finish.
Mouthfeel - Medium to medium heavy. Boozy. Medium low carbonation.
Overall - I expected more from the ratings this gets. It's pretty sweet and doesn't quite deliver the hop flavor for such a high ABV.
Aug 24, 2014
sukwonee from Washington
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
While it's quite good, I think this beer is too malt-forward to be consolidered "top-tiered" DIPA. It's probably because of the malt profile, I taste mango, pineapples. Hops are present for sure and they add bitterness, pine notes, citrus. Alcohol is very well hidden.
Aug 23, 2014
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
While it's quite good, I think this beer is too malt-forward to be consolidered "top-tiered" DIPA. It's probably because of the malt profile, I taste mango, pineapples. Hops are present for sure and they add bitterness, pine notes, citrus. Alcohol is very well hidden.
Aug 23, 2014
LiquidAmber from Washington
4.29/5 rDev -0.2%
Poured from a bottle into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a lightly hazy medium copper amber with a one finger light khaki head with great retention and lacing. Aroma evident on pouring; caramel malt with great piney, herbal and citrus hops, tropical and light citrus fruit. Flavor is dominated by hops, resinous pine, somewhat dank with grapefruit rind citrus, lightly caramel malt, mixed stone and tropical fruit. The finish is also resinous with a long, lingering grapefruit and pine bitterness. Medium bodied with active carbonation. I think this has a substantial malt body, but the hops are so intense that the malt flavors are lost in the onslaught. A great hop blend that differentiates itself from other Northwest IIPAs. Fairly complex fruit flavors too. Dangerously drinkable for the ABV, I really had to pace myself with this one as it invited tasting. Nice job for Laurelwood and lives up to its fanfare.
Aug 21, 2014
4.29/5 rDev -0.2%
Poured from a bottle into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a lightly hazy medium copper amber with a one finger light khaki head with great retention and lacing. Aroma evident on pouring; caramel malt with great piney, herbal and citrus hops, tropical and light citrus fruit. Flavor is dominated by hops, resinous pine, somewhat dank with grapefruit rind citrus, lightly caramel malt, mixed stone and tropical fruit. The finish is also resinous with a long, lingering grapefruit and pine bitterness. Medium bodied with active carbonation. I think this has a substantial malt body, but the hops are so intense that the malt flavors are lost in the onslaught. A great hop blend that differentiates itself from other Northwest IIPAs. Fairly complex fruit flavors too. Dangerously drinkable for the ABV, I really had to pace myself with this one as it invited tasting. Nice job for Laurelwood and lives up to its fanfare.
Aug 21, 2014
draheim from Washington
4.37/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
22oz into a tulip. Pours a nice deep amber w/ a frothy one-finger head, patchy lace.
Aroma is a big sticky blast of tropical fruits. Grapefruit, pineapple, pine resin.
Taste follows nose. Tons of sticky dank hops balanced by copious amounts of malt. Powerful bitterness on the finish.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, a little sticky, oily, resinous. Still dangerous for 9.5%.
Overall this is a big, shamelessly powerful DIPA that lives up to its name.
Aug 19, 2014
4.37/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
22oz into a tulip. Pours a nice deep amber w/ a frothy one-finger head, patchy lace.
Aroma is a big sticky blast of tropical fruits. Grapefruit, pineapple, pine resin.
Taste follows nose. Tons of sticky dank hops balanced by copious amounts of malt. Powerful bitterness on the finish.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied, a little sticky, oily, resinous. Still dangerous for 9.5%.
Overall this is a big, shamelessly powerful DIPA that lives up to its name.
Aug 19, 2014
JohnGalt1 from Idaho
4.24/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is one that I NEVER thought I would have seen without a trip to PDX... Instead it was enjoyed 4-5 times tonight at the 10 Barrel IPA fight/fest.
Pours a light orangish with a tight white head.
This is one of the most hop forward beers I have ever had and still is a "bit" balanced... tons of tropical fruits and huge citrus zest... tangerine/red grapefruit.... and hints of pine on the finish.
Lighter than should be body... carbonation is nice.
For 9+% this is a teddy bear... drinkability is off the charts... super beer for sure.
4/4.25/4.25/4.25/4.25
Sep 15, 2013
4.24/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is one that I NEVER thought I would have seen without a trip to PDX... Instead it was enjoyed 4-5 times tonight at the 10 Barrel IPA fight/fest.
Pours a light orangish with a tight white head.
This is one of the most hop forward beers I have ever had and still is a "bit" balanced... tons of tropical fruits and huge citrus zest... tangerine/red grapefruit.... and hints of pine on the finish.
Lighter than should be body... carbonation is nice.
For 9+% this is a teddy bear... drinkability is off the charts... super beer for sure.
4/4.25/4.25/4.25/4.25
Sep 15, 2013
kscaldef from Oregon
4.59/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Notes from 4/10/2013, on tap at the Laurelwood Pub
A: Medium golden, high clarity, 1/4" head
S: Aromas start wafting my way as soon as the beer is set down. Tons of pineapple backed up with citrus and tropical fruit. Hints of lychee.
T: Intense juicy hops balancing peach and mango. Mild notes of pine resin.
M: Good carbonation, body just on the light side of medium. Modest bitterness. Dangerous drinkability.
Aug 08, 2013
4.59/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Notes from 4/10/2013, on tap at the Laurelwood Pub
A: Medium golden, high clarity, 1/4" head
S: Aromas start wafting my way as soon as the beer is set down. Tons of pineapple backed up with citrus and tropical fruit. Hints of lychee.
T: Intense juicy hops balancing peach and mango. Mild notes of pine resin.
M: Good carbonation, body just on the light side of medium. Modest bitterness. Dangerous drinkability.
Aug 08, 2013
HuskyinPDX from Washington
3.89/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle opened on 7.12.13
A - Pours a hazy medium orange with a thick tan head with good retention and lacing.
S - Lots of pine, earthy, resin, heavy ripe oranges.
T - Still some pine, pineapple, melons, grass.
D - Good carbonation with a medium body, bitter finish.
O - This drinks pretty unique for a DIPA, lots of pine, grass, and pineapple, there is lots going on here. I think people are giving this one to much credit. Solid beer.
Jul 29, 2013
3.89/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle opened on 7.12.13
A - Pours a hazy medium orange with a thick tan head with good retention and lacing.
S - Lots of pine, earthy, resin, heavy ripe oranges.
T - Still some pine, pineapple, melons, grass.
D - Good carbonation with a medium body, bitter finish.
O - This drinks pretty unique for a DIPA, lots of pine, grass, and pineapple, there is lots going on here. I think people are giving this one to much credit. Solid beer.
Jul 29, 2013
Justin_Neff from Ohio
4.55/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A: Pours a coppery ruby red body, with a dense frothy beige colored head. The lacing on this one is immaculate, clinging to every bit of open glass as the head slowly fades.
S: First waft is tones of evergreen and pine. Lots of exotic fruits - pineapple and mango mostly. A bit of sweet caramel malt backbone. The hop character practically leaps out of the glass here.
T: Initial taste is pine, then the juicy fruitiness from the explosion of hops takes over. Pineapple and lemon, mixed with some grapefruit and tangerine sweetness. Just the right amount of bitterness finishes off and lingers, balancing the sweet fruit notes. The malt character is practically non-existent because of everything else that is going on - and its awesome.
M: Oily. Full body, but not very malty tasting. Moderate carbonation. A bit of boozy warmth near the finish.
O: Holy crap was I surprised by this one. I wasn't ready to believe the hype, but it certainly deserves all of the high praise. This is definitely on the same level as Pliny and all of the other heavy hitters on the west coast. Fortunate I was able to try it.
Jul 17, 2013
4.55/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A: Pours a coppery ruby red body, with a dense frothy beige colored head. The lacing on this one is immaculate, clinging to every bit of open glass as the head slowly fades.
S: First waft is tones of evergreen and pine. Lots of exotic fruits - pineapple and mango mostly. A bit of sweet caramel malt backbone. The hop character practically leaps out of the glass here.
T: Initial taste is pine, then the juicy fruitiness from the explosion of hops takes over. Pineapple and lemon, mixed with some grapefruit and tangerine sweetness. Just the right amount of bitterness finishes off and lingers, balancing the sweet fruit notes. The malt character is practically non-existent because of everything else that is going on - and its awesome.
M: Oily. Full body, but not very malty tasting. Moderate carbonation. A bit of boozy warmth near the finish.
O: Holy crap was I surprised by this one. I wasn't ready to believe the hype, but it certainly deserves all of the high praise. This is definitely on the same level as Pliny and all of the other heavy hitters on the west coast. Fortunate I was able to try it.
Jul 17, 2013
HopHead84 from California
3.79/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
07/12/2013
Bottle into a snifter. Thanks, Luke!
A: Pellucid orange with an impressive mass of soapy foam that clings to the sides of the glass as it slowly recedes, leaving off-white sheets in its wake.
S: Resinous pine with a bit of onion and earth. Bread and caramel balance things out and there's an ephemeral sugary quality to the sweetness at times. There's a bit of mango as the beer opens up.
T: Juicy orange and grapefruit flesh meet citrus pith, onion, and pine. Malt is undaunted, providing sweetness to balance the smooth moderate bitterness, as well as bread and caramel (to a lesser extent). I think the sweetness is nice and makes the beer really drinkable, but I'm not on board with the expressive malt flavor. The finish is dry with a light spiciness. Alcohol is very well hidden.
M: Upper medium body with a nice level of medium carbonation. Very sticky mouthfeel with some alcohol warming.
Overall: This is a good Northwestern-style Double IPA, but it's simply heavier on the malt flavor than I like, no matter where the beer is brewed. It goes down easy and I enjoyed the bottle.
Jul 13, 2013
3.79/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
07/12/2013
Bottle into a snifter. Thanks, Luke!
A: Pellucid orange with an impressive mass of soapy foam that clings to the sides of the glass as it slowly recedes, leaving off-white sheets in its wake.
S: Resinous pine with a bit of onion and earth. Bread and caramel balance things out and there's an ephemeral sugary quality to the sweetness at times. There's a bit of mango as the beer opens up.
T: Juicy orange and grapefruit flesh meet citrus pith, onion, and pine. Malt is undaunted, providing sweetness to balance the smooth moderate bitterness, as well as bread and caramel (to a lesser extent). I think the sweetness is nice and makes the beer really drinkable, but I'm not on board with the expressive malt flavor. The finish is dry with a light spiciness. Alcohol is very well hidden.
M: Upper medium body with a nice level of medium carbonation. Very sticky mouthfeel with some alcohol warming.
Overall: This is a good Northwestern-style Double IPA, but it's simply heavier on the malt flavor than I like, no matter where the beer is brewed. It goes down easy and I enjoyed the bottle.
Jul 13, 2013
artoolemomo from Oregon
4.15/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance- Pours up a minimal amount of head which seems to have little retention as well. The head is pure cotton white while the body is an almost medium/honey which glows orange when held up to the light. The body is fairly clear. Some lacing is left behind.
Nose- Very warm and inviting. Doesn't seem very complex at the moment- lots of citrus (orange and lemon, not so much grapefruit) and tropical fruits but not much else. Not that I'm complaining. I get some caramel when I smell from the bottle. Notes of honey/nectar as well. If the nose is any indication, it would appear that this is going to be a citrus/tropical fruit/ honey bomb. Slight pine and resin on the nose but this beer's aroma is all about the fruity and the floral.
Taste- Light hints of honey and caramel to start off while a pronounced pine and resin asserts itself. Lots of lemon, some spicy green fruit (like papaya), and some matchstick. Not as fruity as the nose would have led me to believe. Malty sweetness is very assertive. Definitely does not taste like 140 IBUs. Some orange comes out as well. Some mustiness (armpit, dirty feet) and grapefruit are apparent. Very juicy and very easygoing. I feel that there's something missing that puts this just short of the Pliny/Sucks/Hop Venom category. A good imperial but I don't think I would pay 9 bucks for it again. The hops aren't oxidized by any stretch of the imagination- I simply thought this would taste fresher. This is getting better as it opens and starts to harmonize with my expectations. Very well balanced, very well rounded. Probably not worth 9 bucks though.
Mouthfeel- Medium body with some stickiness/syrup. Nice amount of carbonation balances that out.
Drinkability- Pretty subdued for a DIPA- it's actually quite dangerous. No real heat to speak of but there are other imperials that I would opt for before this one.
Overall- Solid beer that suffers from being a medium fish in a big ocean of big IPAs. Wouldn't mind giving it a go on tap.
Jul 08, 2013
4.15/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance- Pours up a minimal amount of head which seems to have little retention as well. The head is pure cotton white while the body is an almost medium/honey which glows orange when held up to the light. The body is fairly clear. Some lacing is left behind.
Nose- Very warm and inviting. Doesn't seem very complex at the moment- lots of citrus (orange and lemon, not so much grapefruit) and tropical fruits but not much else. Not that I'm complaining. I get some caramel when I smell from the bottle. Notes of honey/nectar as well. If the nose is any indication, it would appear that this is going to be a citrus/tropical fruit/ honey bomb. Slight pine and resin on the nose but this beer's aroma is all about the fruity and the floral.
Taste- Light hints of honey and caramel to start off while a pronounced pine and resin asserts itself. Lots of lemon, some spicy green fruit (like papaya), and some matchstick. Not as fruity as the nose would have led me to believe. Malty sweetness is very assertive. Definitely does not taste like 140 IBUs. Some orange comes out as well. Some mustiness (armpit, dirty feet) and grapefruit are apparent. Very juicy and very easygoing. I feel that there's something missing that puts this just short of the Pliny/Sucks/Hop Venom category. A good imperial but I don't think I would pay 9 bucks for it again. The hops aren't oxidized by any stretch of the imagination- I simply thought this would taste fresher. This is getting better as it opens and starts to harmonize with my expectations. Very well balanced, very well rounded. Probably not worth 9 bucks though.
Mouthfeel- Medium body with some stickiness/syrup. Nice amount of carbonation balances that out.
Drinkability- Pretty subdued for a DIPA- it's actually quite dangerous. No real heat to speak of but there are other imperials that I would opt for before this one.
Overall- Solid beer that suffers from being a medium fish in a big ocean of big IPAs. Wouldn't mind giving it a go on tap.
Jul 08, 2013
Sarlacc83 from Oregon
4.34/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle. Winner of the Brewing News National DIPA championship.
A: Dark orange with a lazy white head that settles into a ring. Tiny bubbles are running up through the glass. Leaves some stains on the glass.
N: There's quite a bit of dried pineapple here, and a modest amount of mango, tangerine, and grapefruit. Some onion drives through the middle as well as some crystallized sugar. Hops are definitely at the forefront here, leaving very little room for the malt. Very nice.
T: Very big and very well balanced. Both the tropical sweetness and a pleasant bitterness combine to make this a worthy sipper.
M: Big bodied and sticky at the beginning, and then very dry by the end. I love the effect, honestly. There's a very pronounced alcohol here, so watch out.
O: It doesn't break any new ground, but the ground it treads is quite worthy. I can see how this ended up the winner of the DIPA grouping among 65 other beers. Think I'm going to go finish the bottle now.
Jul 07, 2013
4.34/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle. Winner of the Brewing News National DIPA championship.
A: Dark orange with a lazy white head that settles into a ring. Tiny bubbles are running up through the glass. Leaves some stains on the glass.
N: There's quite a bit of dried pineapple here, and a modest amount of mango, tangerine, and grapefruit. Some onion drives through the middle as well as some crystallized sugar. Hops are definitely at the forefront here, leaving very little room for the malt. Very nice.
T: Very big and very well balanced. Both the tropical sweetness and a pleasant bitterness combine to make this a worthy sipper.
M: Big bodied and sticky at the beginning, and then very dry by the end. I love the effect, honestly. There's a very pronounced alcohol here, so watch out.
O: It doesn't break any new ground, but the ground it treads is quite worthy. I can see how this ended up the winner of the DIPA grouping among 65 other beers. Think I'm going to go finish the bottle now.
Jul 07, 2013
Aml42000 from Washington
4.56/5 rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
This poured dark copper with a fluffy white head.
The aromatics are amazing. Dank piney hops w/grapefruit floating about. Loads of depth & power.
This is pitch perfect DIPA. Bitter citrus & a light, crisp malt backbone.
A big beer, but crisp & drinkable. Easy to drink & easy to love. Dry finish which brings you right back to the glass. No heaviness or oily textures.
Amazing stuff. Lives on the same block as Pliny, Hop Venom, Sucks etc. Would love to drink all year long.
Jul 07, 2013
4.56/5 rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
This poured dark copper with a fluffy white head.
The aromatics are amazing. Dank piney hops w/grapefruit floating about. Loads of depth & power.
This is pitch perfect DIPA. Bitter citrus & a light, crisp malt backbone.
A big beer, but crisp & drinkable. Easy to drink & easy to love. Dry finish which brings you right back to the glass. No heaviness or oily textures.
Amazing stuff. Lives on the same block as Pliny, Hop Venom, Sucks etc. Would love to drink all year long.
Jul 07, 2013
daveski from Oregon
4.71/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Had it on tap for the first time last Friday at the Sellwood Public House (Laurelwood)
Poured into a Laurelwood IPA glass.
Appearance is a nice reddish/copper color that almost brightens as the bubbles reflect the light.
Smell was intense - in a very good way. Floral hops dominate, some pine and big grapefruit/citrus notes.
Taste - Hops dominate, but very well balanced by malty sweetness. I would never have guessed that this IPA is 9.5% ABV and 140 IBUs!
Mouth feel –Smooth finish, a little dry but the malts smooth that out. Perfect amount of carbonation.
Overall – A very good DIPA. Probably my current favorite. I might be a bit biased since its brewed in my back yard, but I liked it enough to get a growler filled for $16.
Apr 24, 2013
4.71/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Had it on tap for the first time last Friday at the Sellwood Public House (Laurelwood)
Poured into a Laurelwood IPA glass.
Appearance is a nice reddish/copper color that almost brightens as the bubbles reflect the light.
Smell was intense - in a very good way. Floral hops dominate, some pine and big grapefruit/citrus notes.
Taste - Hops dominate, but very well balanced by malty sweetness. I would never have guessed that this IPA is 9.5% ABV and 140 IBUs!
Mouth feel –Smooth finish, a little dry but the malts smooth that out. Perfect amount of carbonation.
Overall – A very good DIPA. Probably my current favorite. I might be a bit biased since its brewed in my back yard, but I liked it enough to get a growler filled for $16.
Apr 24, 2013
John_M from Oregon
4.55/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On tap at the Laurelwood SE location today.
The beer pours an orange copper color with very good head retention and lacing. The nose is all DIPA goodness and then some, with considerable dry citrus, pine, white pepper and a dollop of sweet malt. The beer is every bit as good on the palate, with the pine and dry citrus really showing through. Although the beer has a considerable malt back bone, this DIPA is ultimately quite dry, with a long, bitter, finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with a long, hoppy, somewhat boozy finish. This beer reminds me very much of the Avery Maharajah, but if anything is even better, with the hoppy bitterness perfectly balancing the malty midpalate. Alcohol is noticeable, but ultimately is well integrated into the flavor profile.
This is just an excellent, all around, well made DIPA from Laurelwood. Impressive.
Apr 15, 2013
4.55/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On tap at the Laurelwood SE location today.
The beer pours an orange copper color with very good head retention and lacing. The nose is all DIPA goodness and then some, with considerable dry citrus, pine, white pepper and a dollop of sweet malt. The beer is every bit as good on the palate, with the pine and dry citrus really showing through. Although the beer has a considerable malt back bone, this DIPA is ultimately quite dry, with a long, bitter, finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, with a long, hoppy, somewhat boozy finish. This beer reminds me very much of the Avery Maharajah, but if anything is even better, with the hoppy bitterness perfectly balancing the malty midpalate. Alcohol is noticeable, but ultimately is well integrated into the flavor profile.
This is just an excellent, all around, well made DIPA from Laurelwood. Impressive.
Apr 15, 2013
Laurelwood Megafauna from Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
Beer rating:
94 out of
100 with
110 ratings
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