Lunch
Maine Beer Company
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #6 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 97
Ranked #394 - Avg:
- 4.39 | pDev: 7.97%
- Reviews:
- 954
- Ratings:
- From:
- Maine Beer Company
- Maine, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 1,204
- Gots
- 1,666
SCORE
97
World-Class
97
World-Class
Notes:
Our “East Coast” version of a West Coast-style IPA. Intense hop flavors and aromas of tropical and citrus fruits and pine dominate. A subtle malt sweetness brings the beer into balance.
Lunch is a special whale that has been spotted off the Maine coast since 1982. She has what looks like a bite taken out of her fin, which adds to her unique character. We dedicate this beer to her determination and persistence.
Keep on swimming!
Lunch is a special whale that has been spotted off the Maine coast since 1982. She has what looks like a bite taken out of her fin, which adds to her unique character. We dedicate this beer to her determination and persistence.
Keep on swimming!
Reviews: 954
| Ratings: 5,917
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minterro from Colorado
4.02/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Found this brew at Hazel's in Boulder. Bottled: 5/25/21, consumed: 06/12/21. 16.9oz for ~$8. The bottle design, name and, story make this beer very compelling.
A&S: Very good-looking beer (especially initially). Pours a huge 2 finger fluffy bright white head. Lots of lacing. The beer is lively translucent (almost opaque) bright marigold colored beer. The aroma mostly consists of floral notes. Hints of hay, grassy tones, and pine.
T&M: The taste is more piney than the aroma upfront. The mid-taste and finish are more malt-forward than expected from an IPA. With the hop flavors toward to finish primarily citrus and floral. The finish is pretty mild in bitterness. Excellent feel. The carbonation bubbles are tiny but powerful on the tongue. The body is medium-light. Super drinkable.
Overall: Having known about this beer for a while, I was super excited to try it. Honestly, I am a little disappointed, both for the hype and for the price. I think you can find much better beers for the price, but it was still tasty.
Today at 12:18 AM
4.02/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Found this brew at Hazel's in Boulder. Bottled: 5/25/21, consumed: 06/12/21. 16.9oz for ~$8. The bottle design, name and, story make this beer very compelling.
A&S: Very good-looking beer (especially initially). Pours a huge 2 finger fluffy bright white head. Lots of lacing. The beer is lively translucent (almost opaque) bright marigold colored beer. The aroma mostly consists of floral notes. Hints of hay, grassy tones, and pine.
T&M: The taste is more piney than the aroma upfront. The mid-taste and finish are more malt-forward than expected from an IPA. With the hop flavors toward to finish primarily citrus and floral. The finish is pretty mild in bitterness. Excellent feel. The carbonation bubbles are tiny but powerful on the tongue. The body is medium-light. Super drinkable.
Overall: Having known about this beer for a while, I was super excited to try it. Honestly, I am a little disappointed, both for the hype and for the price. I think you can find much better beers for the price, but it was still tasty.
Today at 12:18 AM
Agee66 from Florida
3.83/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Not sure I get the high ratings for this beer
Seems very average to my taste. Not enough hoppiness. Would not buy again
3.75 is a generous review in my opinion
May 28, 2021
3.83/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Not sure I get the high ratings for this beer
Seems very average to my taste. Not enough hoppiness. Would not buy again
3.75 is a generous review in my opinion
May 28, 2021
dcotom from Iowa
5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 0.5-litre bottle into a Spiegelau Adina beer goblet. Bottled on 04/27/21. Hazy, dull orange colored pour, with a fluffy two-finger long-lasting white head that left scads of pretty lacing as it receded. Well balanced on the nose and palate. Lots of bright citrus (grapefruit, orange, zest), tropical fruit, and resiny pine up front, with undertones of light malt and cracker. Sweetness is understated. The glass I used had an etched bottom, allowing a constant stream of bubbles to rise. Good carbonation, lots of orange-zest bitterness. The finish is crisp, with a little astringence and some lingering citrusy tartness on the palate. You know it's good when each sip begs for another. This is such a beer. Well done!
May 18, 2021
5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from a 0.5-litre bottle into a Spiegelau Adina beer goblet. Bottled on 04/27/21. Hazy, dull orange colored pour, with a fluffy two-finger long-lasting white head that left scads of pretty lacing as it receded. Well balanced on the nose and palate. Lots of bright citrus (grapefruit, orange, zest), tropical fruit, and resiny pine up front, with undertones of light malt and cracker. Sweetness is understated. The glass I used had an etched bottom, allowing a constant stream of bubbles to rise. Good carbonation, lots of orange-zest bitterness. The finish is crisp, with a little astringence and some lingering citrusy tartness on the palate. You know it's good when each sip begs for another. This is such a beer. Well done!
May 18, 2021
colts9016 from Idaho
4.74/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Review 1532
A beer dedicated to a whale, I feel honored to drink it. First beer from this brewery. A simple and understated label, yet it is refined and elegant. The beer is 44 degrees and served in a tulip glass. The pour created a monstrous three-fingered bright white head. The airy and foamy head left a ridiculous amount of lacing on the glass as it dissipated. The color is SRM 8, pale amber with golden yellow hues. The liquid is clear with a few carbonation bubbles popping up towards the surfaces. The beer has a polished appearance.
Pine, oranges, and pineapple dominate the first detection. Nosing further, I detect crackers, toasted bread crust, mangos, guavas, and grapefruit rind. The hop profile in this beer is fragrant and juicy.
The flavors are pine resin, mangos, guavas, oranges, toasted bread crust, floral esters, a hint of herbal a touch of phenols, and subtle earthiness.
The mouthfeel of the beer is tannic and astringent,
The body of the beer is medium-plus, medium carbonation, and a fuller finish.
This beer is a work of art. I do not care for hybrid beers where they mix both styles into the IPA. Generally, the beer is either too much pine and grapefruit and little fruitiness or vise versa. The pine and grapefruit with floral mingle well with the fruitiness of the hops notes. The malt has a firm backbone but it is not overbearing. Wow, just a stunning beer.
May 12, 2021
4.74/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Review 1532
A beer dedicated to a whale, I feel honored to drink it. First beer from this brewery. A simple and understated label, yet it is refined and elegant. The beer is 44 degrees and served in a tulip glass. The pour created a monstrous three-fingered bright white head. The airy and foamy head left a ridiculous amount of lacing on the glass as it dissipated. The color is SRM 8, pale amber with golden yellow hues. The liquid is clear with a few carbonation bubbles popping up towards the surfaces. The beer has a polished appearance.
Pine, oranges, and pineapple dominate the first detection. Nosing further, I detect crackers, toasted bread crust, mangos, guavas, and grapefruit rind. The hop profile in this beer is fragrant and juicy.
The flavors are pine resin, mangos, guavas, oranges, toasted bread crust, floral esters, a hint of herbal a touch of phenols, and subtle earthiness.
The mouthfeel of the beer is tannic and astringent,
The body of the beer is medium-plus, medium carbonation, and a fuller finish.
This beer is a work of art. I do not care for hybrid beers where they mix both styles into the IPA. Generally, the beer is either too much pine and grapefruit and little fruitiness or vise versa. The pine and grapefruit with floral mingle well with the fruitiness of the hops notes. The malt has a firm backbone but it is not overbearing. Wow, just a stunning beer.
May 12, 2021
Specialmick from Connecticut
4.24/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look...brownish yellow haze ..the old school IPA look. Light sticky medium carbonation
Smell...very light hint of hops...almost nothing going on here. Not the first time i have had this and i thought i remembered more citrus last time but not much
Taste,,,it has been a few years. Bitter citrus up front gentle sweetness to a lasting cleansing bitter. More west coast than east coast in my eyes. More complex as it warms.
Feel... Smooth prickliness but you know, nothing spectacular.
Overall...This beer i some serious stuff but at the price it is going to have to be a once and a while indulgence. Check it out once or whateva
May 11, 2021
4.24/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Look...brownish yellow haze ..the old school IPA look. Light sticky medium carbonation
Smell...very light hint of hops...almost nothing going on here. Not the first time i have had this and i thought i remembered more citrus last time but not much
Taste,,,it has been a few years. Bitter citrus up front gentle sweetness to a lasting cleansing bitter. More west coast than east coast in my eyes. More complex as it warms.
Feel... Smooth prickliness but you know, nothing spectacular.
Overall...This beer i some serious stuff but at the price it is going to have to be a once and a while indulgence. Check it out once or whateva
May 11, 2021
whynot44 from Missouri
4.36/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Hazy gold color with nice foamy off-white head that persists as a light ring, leaving nice lacing all the way down.
The aroma is citrus and pine with a sweet caramel background.
The taste is grapefruit. Orange and pine resin balanced nicely with sweet caramel malt and some slightly grassy notes.
The body is medium, smooth, creamy and very drinkable.
Altogether this is a very tasty east coast version of west coast style IPA, excellent.
May 09, 2021
4.36/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Hazy gold color with nice foamy off-white head that persists as a light ring, leaving nice lacing all the way down.
The aroma is citrus and pine with a sweet caramel background.
The taste is grapefruit. Orange and pine resin balanced nicely with sweet caramel malt and some slightly grassy notes.
The body is medium, smooth, creamy and very drinkable.
Altogether this is a very tasty east coast version of west coast style IPA, excellent.
May 09, 2021
jkblr from Indiana
4.46/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
16.9 oz bottled 20April21 (11 days ago!) poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass at fridge temp 7% ABV. The beer pours mostly bright honey colored amber with sticky light khaki head. The head recedes to a thin ring and puffy island. There is a complete lacing on the glass as the liquid level falls. The aroma is mild with candied citrus, peach, very mild pine and caramel malt. The taste is semisweet caramel and biscuit malt with an immediate moderate bitterness and hop flavors of tangerine, pine, grapefruit, peach, and a pinch of an earthy, pithy note. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and slightly soft with average carbonation and a somewhat dry finish. There's some definite hop oil and shellac, but it's not remotely oversweet. Overall, excellent. The sum is greater than the parts here. Masterful brewing.
May 02, 2021
4.46/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
16.9 oz bottled 20April21 (11 days ago!) poured into a Spiegelau IPA glass at fridge temp 7% ABV. The beer pours mostly bright honey colored amber with sticky light khaki head. The head recedes to a thin ring and puffy island. There is a complete lacing on the glass as the liquid level falls. The aroma is mild with candied citrus, peach, very mild pine and caramel malt. The taste is semisweet caramel and biscuit malt with an immediate moderate bitterness and hop flavors of tangerine, pine, grapefruit, peach, and a pinch of an earthy, pithy note. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and slightly soft with average carbonation and a somewhat dry finish. There's some definite hop oil and shellac, but it's not remotely oversweet. Overall, excellent. The sum is greater than the parts here. Masterful brewing.
May 02, 2021
HarlotBronte from District of Columbia
4/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled March 30th. Pours a pale orange into a pint glass. 2 inches of white head that leaves light lacing. Smells of pine; tastes of citrus, pine, and resin. Medium bodied with above average carbonation. I’d be more likely to buy this again if it were sold in 12 oz. cans. I feel bad saying this, but it’s not good enough to warrant the price.
Apr 20, 2021
4/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled March 30th. Pours a pale orange into a pint glass. 2 inches of white head that leaves light lacing. Smells of pine; tastes of citrus, pine, and resin. Medium bodied with above average carbonation. I’d be more likely to buy this again if it were sold in 12 oz. cans. I feel bad saying this, but it’s not good enough to warrant the price.
Apr 20, 2021
AElfwine_Nerevar from Connecticut
4.76/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Bottled: 04/06/21
L: Pours a pale gold color with medium haze. A gentle pour results in two fingers of fine, off-white head that has good retention. As the beer recedes in the glass it leaves a nice webbed and ringed lacing.
S: I get grapefruit, orange, notes of earthy pine, light floral notes, and a bit of caramel malt.
T: On the palate I get grapefruit, orange, citrus pith, earthy pine and floral notes, sweet caramel malt, and a few subtle grassy notes. This starts out with the grapefruit and other citrus mixed with a caramel malt sweetness, but the grapefruit is prominent. Mid palate notes of sweet oranges mixed with floral notes dominate. On the backend the sweetness is cut by bitter grapefruit rind and earthy pine that follow through to the finish.
F: Medium-light body with medium carbonation. The mouthfeel is a tad creamy on the tip of the tongue but as the beer coats the palate it has a distinct and prominent resin character that is complemented by a nice dry finish.
O: This is one of the my favorite IPAs and when I can find it fresh I will always pick up a couple bottles if the budgie allows. The balance between the malt profile and hops is amazing. The front and mid palates have an almost juicy-sweet quality that is perfectly mediated by the hoppy bitterness on the backend. This is a top-shelf brew that is highly recommended!
Apr 15, 2021
4.76/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Bottled: 04/06/21
L: Pours a pale gold color with medium haze. A gentle pour results in two fingers of fine, off-white head that has good retention. As the beer recedes in the glass it leaves a nice webbed and ringed lacing.
S: I get grapefruit, orange, notes of earthy pine, light floral notes, and a bit of caramel malt.
T: On the palate I get grapefruit, orange, citrus pith, earthy pine and floral notes, sweet caramel malt, and a few subtle grassy notes. This starts out with the grapefruit and other citrus mixed with a caramel malt sweetness, but the grapefruit is prominent. Mid palate notes of sweet oranges mixed with floral notes dominate. On the backend the sweetness is cut by bitter grapefruit rind and earthy pine that follow through to the finish.
F: Medium-light body with medium carbonation. The mouthfeel is a tad creamy on the tip of the tongue but as the beer coats the palate it has a distinct and prominent resin character that is complemented by a nice dry finish.
O: This is one of the my favorite IPAs and when I can find it fresh I will always pick up a couple bottles if the budgie allows. The balance between the malt profile and hops is amazing. The front and mid palates have an almost juicy-sweet quality that is perfectly mediated by the hoppy bitterness on the backend. This is a top-shelf brew that is highly recommended!
Apr 15, 2021
1009 from Massachusetts
4.4/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
With a name like “Lunch” you’ve gotta be going for gold… and lemme say that MBC struck absolutely that with this American IPA. The ale finds quite the equilibrium between sweet and hoppy, invoking such a smooth and first taste that I’d be willing to crack at any time of day… yep, even Lunchtime.
Mar 23, 2021
4.4/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
With a name like “Lunch” you’ve gotta be going for gold… and lemme say that MBC struck absolutely that with this American IPA. The ale finds quite the equilibrium between sweet and hoppy, invoking such a smooth and first taste that I’d be willing to crack at any time of day… yep, even Lunchtime.
Mar 23, 2021
Tilley4 from Tennessee
4.5/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pungent hops...
Delicious balanced flavor...
I adore this offering from Maine...
This...this is what IPAs need to get back to....clean, slightly bitter, hoppy... no haze needed here..
Just a good clean solid old school IPA that has you ready for the next sip with its bitterness and refreshing flavors...
This has been around for a while so I won't do it any favors with eloquent words...
I will and do buy this every time I see it fresh...
Incredible beer.
Mar 22, 2021
4.5/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pungent hops...
Delicious balanced flavor...
I adore this offering from Maine...
This...this is what IPAs need to get back to....clean, slightly bitter, hoppy... no haze needed here..
Just a good clean solid old school IPA that has you ready for the next sip with its bitterness and refreshing flavors...
This has been around for a while so I won't do it any favors with eloquent words...
I will and do buy this every time I see it fresh...
Incredible beer.
Mar 22, 2021
J-legend-K from Colorado
4.76/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
A: Cooper orange with healthy off-white head and moderate lacing. Extra points for the consistency of the slight haze.
S: Grapefruit, lemon, grass and pine riding slight caramel. Smells fresh.
T: Very subdued up front leading to a bright, extremely well balanced burst of citrusy grapefruit zest and pine. Malty sweetness really balances it all as a lingering grassy bitter takes hold.
Mf: Light to medium body with an above average carbonation. Almost perfect amount of sticky resin that does not linger
Overall: Very clean and balanced while offering lots of nice hop complexity. Nothing overwhelming other than it’s subtlety, yet it covers all bases. A wonderful, humble IPA.
Mar 15, 2021
4.76/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
A: Cooper orange with healthy off-white head and moderate lacing. Extra points for the consistency of the slight haze.
S: Grapefruit, lemon, grass and pine riding slight caramel. Smells fresh.
T: Very subdued up front leading to a bright, extremely well balanced burst of citrusy grapefruit zest and pine. Malty sweetness really balances it all as a lingering grassy bitter takes hold.
Mf: Light to medium body with an above average carbonation. Almost perfect amount of sticky resin that does not linger
Overall: Very clean and balanced while offering lots of nice hop complexity. Nothing overwhelming other than it’s subtlety, yet it covers all bases. A wonderful, humble IPA.
Mar 15, 2021
JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
4.33/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
The right thing was done and a brown bottle, slightly larger than a pint, was poured into a clear glass liter mug. There's plenty of foamy white head atop a dark amber colored brew. A whale of IPA goodness is now in the air. It's hoppy and malty. Modest glass lacing appears. The taste is fine, as hops move from there, at the beginning, to dominant at the finish. They're not just bitter, they're resinous, whilst clean and not at all sticky. Although there is maltiness by witness of the taste, this drinks too thinly to be considered among the best. The sufficient ABV is nicely intertwined into its overall taste. The taste is there, but the body isn't.
Mar 10, 2021
4.33/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
The right thing was done and a brown bottle, slightly larger than a pint, was poured into a clear glass liter mug. There's plenty of foamy white head atop a dark amber colored brew. A whale of IPA goodness is now in the air. It's hoppy and malty. Modest glass lacing appears. The taste is fine, as hops move from there, at the beginning, to dominant at the finish. They're not just bitter, they're resinous, whilst clean and not at all sticky. Although there is maltiness by witness of the taste, this drinks too thinly to be considered among the best. The sufficient ABV is nicely intertwined into its overall taste. The taste is there, but the body isn't.
Mar 10, 2021
JRybacki from Pennsylvania
4.33/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is yet another beautiful beer i picked up a couple of weeks ago to continue my foray into the Maine Beer Company.
Poured from a 16oz bottle into a stem glass.
About two-finger head appeared in glass, thick and luxurious. Nice lacing on the glass.
Strong aroma of sweet peaches or even apricot wafted from the glass while i let it breathe a little.
Taste of citrus, pine, and malty background at the end, but did not pick up caramel.
Mouthfeel was crisp and hoppy but not bitter.
Overall, a very satisfying beer that i now come to expect from Maine Beer Co.
Well done and keep it coming.
Feb 19, 2021
4.33/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is yet another beautiful beer i picked up a couple of weeks ago to continue my foray into the Maine Beer Company.
Poured from a 16oz bottle into a stem glass.
About two-finger head appeared in glass, thick and luxurious. Nice lacing on the glass.
Strong aroma of sweet peaches or even apricot wafted from the glass while i let it breathe a little.
Taste of citrus, pine, and malty background at the end, but did not pick up caramel.
Mouthfeel was crisp and hoppy but not bitter.
Overall, a very satisfying beer that i now come to expect from Maine Beer Co.
Well done and keep it coming.
Feb 19, 2021
SaltofOH from Ohio
4.27/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle dated 19 Jan 21. 17 days old. GL Tulip.
A: pours a slightly hazy brilliant orange with a thick finger of rocky head with lots of different sized bubbles. A little lazy carbonation rising up. Nice lacing, but not incredible. Pretty thick cap of bubbles lasted the entire time I was drinking it.
S: it’s been out of a 39 degree fridge for 20 minutes, and is surprisingly shy; stone fruits like apricot or white peach, with some pineapple and fresh pine sap. A little piney floral, if that is a thing.
T: very much a new school IPA, precursor to the modern hazy ipa craze. Arrives with a restrained sweetness, with tropical and apricot notes dancing on the palate, then turning into a high pitched, resinous bitterness.
M: lighter side of medium bodied, with ale fluffiness and low to moderate carbonation. Like the two other Maine beers I’ve had, quite clean finishing (though not as clean as MO or Peeper).
O: This is not quite Sucks, Bodhi, or even Insane Wanderer IX, but it is a really enjoyable IPA of the new school, non-hazy variety. Bitter, but not over the top. Dare I say, balanced. Not so tropical. I would really enjoy six packs of this, but given the price tag of this bottle, it is surely a one-and-done. I am sure when this came out it was totally unique; now it is a fine example of a far more common style.
Feb 07, 2021
4.27/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottle dated 19 Jan 21. 17 days old. GL Tulip.
A: pours a slightly hazy brilliant orange with a thick finger of rocky head with lots of different sized bubbles. A little lazy carbonation rising up. Nice lacing, but not incredible. Pretty thick cap of bubbles lasted the entire time I was drinking it.
S: it’s been out of a 39 degree fridge for 20 minutes, and is surprisingly shy; stone fruits like apricot or white peach, with some pineapple and fresh pine sap. A little piney floral, if that is a thing.
T: very much a new school IPA, precursor to the modern hazy ipa craze. Arrives with a restrained sweetness, with tropical and apricot notes dancing on the palate, then turning into a high pitched, resinous bitterness.
M: lighter side of medium bodied, with ale fluffiness and low to moderate carbonation. Like the two other Maine beers I’ve had, quite clean finishing (though not as clean as MO or Peeper).
O: This is not quite Sucks, Bodhi, or even Insane Wanderer IX, but it is a really enjoyable IPA of the new school, non-hazy variety. Bitter, but not over the top. Dare I say, balanced. Not so tropical. I would really enjoy six packs of this, but given the price tag of this bottle, it is surely a one-and-done. I am sure when this came out it was totally unique; now it is a fine example of a far more common style.
Feb 07, 2021
artiefufkin from New Jersey
4.77/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Born on 12/15/2020
Visual: thick sl off-white head, great lacing, opaque medium amber with sl burnt orange hue
Aroma: All the citrus - fresh grapefruit juice, citrus zest, vsl herbal
Taste/Mouthfeel: sl bitter grapefruit, sl pine, malty sweetness, sl tropical, full mouthfeel
Overall: one of the best IPAs out there.
Jan 30, 2021
4.77/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Born on 12/15/2020
Visual: thick sl off-white head, great lacing, opaque medium amber with sl burnt orange hue
Aroma: All the citrus - fresh grapefruit juice, citrus zest, vsl herbal
Taste/Mouthfeel: sl bitter grapefruit, sl pine, malty sweetness, sl tropical, full mouthfeel
Overall: one of the best IPAs out there.
Jan 30, 2021
SaCkErZ9 from South Carolina
4.73/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Procured a bottle of this from Crafty Draught in Mt Pleasant, SC. Bottling date was Jan 5, 2021. Today is Jan 25, 2021. Id say that's pretty fresh! Pours form the 16.9oz bottle into a tapered imperial pint glass. Emerges a perfect golden color with a little bit of haze. Not really a juicy IPA haze, just an unfiltered beer haze. Topped with a magnificent cream colored, foamy, dense head. The retention is unbelievable. Easily two fingers in size and remains a solid one finger in size for nearly ten minutes.
Lovely aroma on this one. Piney for sure. Grassy, somewhat floral. Maybe some grapefruit but not a whole lot of citrus. Earthy.
The flavor is wonderful as well. I do get some grapefruit zest in the flavor along with tons of pine needles, a bit of a floral character too.
This is a bitter one, and I love it. Clean finish with a strong hop bite that borders on astringent. I was never a fan of the juicy IPAs so Im glad to get this "old school" west coast style with an east coast attitude. An easy drinker for sure. This one goes down smooth and easy and is oh so drinkable. Lovely!
Jan 24, 2021
4.73/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Procured a bottle of this from Crafty Draught in Mt Pleasant, SC. Bottling date was Jan 5, 2021. Today is Jan 25, 2021. Id say that's pretty fresh! Pours form the 16.9oz bottle into a tapered imperial pint glass. Emerges a perfect golden color with a little bit of haze. Not really a juicy IPA haze, just an unfiltered beer haze. Topped with a magnificent cream colored, foamy, dense head. The retention is unbelievable. Easily two fingers in size and remains a solid one finger in size for nearly ten minutes.
Lovely aroma on this one. Piney for sure. Grassy, somewhat floral. Maybe some grapefruit but not a whole lot of citrus. Earthy.
The flavor is wonderful as well. I do get some grapefruit zest in the flavor along with tons of pine needles, a bit of a floral character too.
This is a bitter one, and I love it. Clean finish with a strong hop bite that borders on astringent. I was never a fan of the juicy IPAs so Im glad to get this "old school" west coast style with an east coast attitude. An easy drinker for sure. This one goes down smooth and easy and is oh so drinkable. Lovely!
Jan 24, 2021
Thankin_Hank from Texas
4.66/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Got a 64 ounce growler from "What's On Tap" locally. Immediately poured a glass at home. Pours a slightly hazy amber color with a fair head and a delicious aroma. Taste is smooth and has absolutely no bitterness. Lightly malty, a hint of citrus and orange on the tongue, an outstanding balance in this IPA. The feel again is smooth. Total enjoyment. Overall I am thrilled to find this beer in Texas and get this opportunity to sample Maine Beer Company's Lunch. 22Jan2021
Update. Got a bottle dated 16Feb21. Special Thanks to @tasterschoice62 LarryB for sharing. Outstanding in the bottle too.
Jan 22, 2021
4.66/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Got a 64 ounce growler from "What's On Tap" locally. Immediately poured a glass at home. Pours a slightly hazy amber color with a fair head and a delicious aroma. Taste is smooth and has absolutely no bitterness. Lightly malty, a hint of citrus and orange on the tongue, an outstanding balance in this IPA. The feel again is smooth. Total enjoyment. Overall I am thrilled to find this beer in Texas and get this opportunity to sample Maine Beer Company's Lunch. 22Jan2021
Update. Got a bottle dated 16Feb21. Special Thanks to @tasterschoice62 LarryB for sharing. Outstanding in the bottle too.
Jan 22, 2021
gestyr from Pennsylvania
4.48/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a nice gold color with a fluffy long lasting head. It smells of pine, citrus and other fruit. Tastes very similar to the aroma with a nice bitterness. A light mouthfeel makes this very drinkable.
Jan 10, 2021
4.48/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a nice gold color with a fluffy long lasting head. It smells of pine, citrus and other fruit. Tastes very similar to the aroma with a nice bitterness. A light mouthfeel makes this very drinkable.
Jan 10, 2021
Cashbail from New Hampshire
4.87/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Fresh bottled 12/29/20. Clear golden with a thick head from an aggressive pour. Amazing hop bitterness and a welcome respite from hazy IPAs. This is one of the beers that introduced me to IPAs and it never disappoints.
Jan 03, 2021
4.87/5 rDev +10.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Fresh bottled 12/29/20. Clear golden with a thick head from an aggressive pour. Amazing hop bitterness and a welcome respite from hazy IPAs. This is one of the beers that introduced me to IPAs and it never disappoints.
Jan 03, 2021
Tuck_leepulin from Texas
4.24/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled on 12/22/20. Poured into an IPA glass.
Appearance: Pours a clear, deep golden with ample head leaving plenty of lace
Smell: Citrus and floral hop notes
Taste: Citrus hop flavors up front with grapefruit leading to some biscuit grain in the finish and very subtle alcohol
Mouthfeel: Medium with dry finish
Overall: A very solid IPA that demands to be enjoyed fresh. Great balance with tons of hop flavor.
Dec 31, 2020
4.24/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bottled on 12/22/20. Poured into an IPA glass.
Appearance: Pours a clear, deep golden with ample head leaving plenty of lace
Smell: Citrus and floral hop notes
Taste: Citrus hop flavors up front with grapefruit leading to some biscuit grain in the finish and very subtle alcohol
Mouthfeel: Medium with dry finish
Overall: A very solid IPA that demands to be enjoyed fresh. Great balance with tons of hop flavor.
Dec 31, 2020
emteegee from Wisconsin
3.94/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a Rastal Teku glass.
LOOK: Rich, darkish amber in color, as one would expect from a West Coast IPA.
SMELL: Pine, hops, citrus.
TASTE: Hoppy, bitter, resiny. Again, more like a West Coast IPA popular a few years ago.
FEEL:
OVERALL: After years of hearing and reading about this beer, I was happy to finally get a chance to try it out. It is, as expected, very good. It suffers a bit from the current environment favoring more of the hazy, juicy, New England IPA. While made in Maine, this is definitely more of a dank, piney, West Coast-style IPA.
Dec 26, 2020
3.94/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle into a Rastal Teku glass.
LOOK: Rich, darkish amber in color, as one would expect from a West Coast IPA.
SMELL: Pine, hops, citrus.
TASTE: Hoppy, bitter, resiny. Again, more like a West Coast IPA popular a few years ago.
FEEL:
OVERALL: After years of hearing and reading about this beer, I was happy to finally get a chance to try it out. It is, as expected, very good. It suffers a bit from the current environment favoring more of the hazy, juicy, New England IPA. While made in Maine, this is definitely more of a dank, piney, West Coast-style IPA.
Dec 26, 2020
biobeer808 from California
4.59/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I've been looking to try this beer for a while. I walked into my local bottle shop today and couldn't believe it was on tap. I grabbed a crowler and headed home to dive. This beer is top notch. I've grown tired with the glut of IPAs on offer. This is the rare IPA that makes me want to drink IPAs again. The appeal for me in this beer is the balance. It's flavorful without being over the top. It's got great hop flavor as well as a subtle hop bitterness and a mild sweetness. I can't say much that hasn't already been said here, but this one is definitely worth a shot when you see it.
Dec 15, 2020
4.59/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I've been looking to try this beer for a while. I walked into my local bottle shop today and couldn't believe it was on tap. I grabbed a crowler and headed home to dive. This beer is top notch. I've grown tired with the glut of IPAs on offer. This is the rare IPA that makes me want to drink IPAs again. The appeal for me in this beer is the balance. It's flavorful without being over the top. It's got great hop flavor as well as a subtle hop bitterness and a mild sweetness. I can't say much that hasn't already been said here, but this one is definitely worth a shot when you see it.
Dec 15, 2020
frankdatank1337 from California
4.35/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is yummy. It delivers on what it promises, a NE style IPA with hints of a West Coast. It's smooth and crazy drinkable. I drank it from a bottle, I love the design btw. Its got a ton of carbonation and isn't too dry. Def a good beer, give it a try.
Nov 23, 2020
4.35/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is yummy. It delivers on what it promises, a NE style IPA with hints of a West Coast. It's smooth and crazy drinkable. I drank it from a bottle, I love the design btw. Its got a ton of carbonation and isn't too dry. Def a good beer, give it a try.
Nov 23, 2020
harrypowers from Massachusetts
4.29/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Got this on draft. Arrived an opaque orange coloring with a white fluffy persistent head.
Smells of pine and tropical fruit. Tastes of malt, citrus and pineapple with lightly bitter hop finish that diminishes as you near the end of a pint.
Medium body and carbonation.
This is a well crafted beer!
Nov 05, 2020
4.29/5 rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Got this on draft. Arrived an opaque orange coloring with a white fluffy persistent head.
Smells of pine and tropical fruit. Tastes of malt, citrus and pineapple with lightly bitter hop finish that diminishes as you near the end of a pint.
Medium body and carbonation.
This is a well crafted beer!
Nov 05, 2020
Lunch from Maine Beer Company
Beer rating:
97 out of
100 with
5917 ratings
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