Lunch
Maine Beer Company
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Maine Beer Company
- Maine, United States
- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #8 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 97
Ranked #593 - Avg:
- 4.38 | pDev: 7.76%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Thursday at 05:11 AM
- Added:
- May 10, 2011
- Wants:
- 1,204
- Gots:
- 1,688
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!
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.4/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by robwired from Kansas
"Drink 90 days from born on date," the label said. 31May22. Fresh. Poured into a Rastal Teku glass. The clean design of the white label dictated that.
Aroma was grassy and orange citrusy. It poured a half-finger head of a classical pianist's finger.
The taste followed the scent: grassy with an orange rind taste. Not too at all.
Nice color. A light golden, slightly hazy.
Light mouthfeel. Very easy-going and sippable.
Thursday at 05:11 AM
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by robwired from Kansas
"Drink 90 days from born on date," the label said. 31May22. Fresh. Poured into a Rastal Teku glass. The clean design of the white label dictated that.
Aroma was grassy and orange citrusy. It poured a half-finger head of a classical pianist's finger.
The taste followed the scent: grassy with an orange rind taste. Not too at all.
Nice color. A light golden, slightly hazy.
Light mouthfeel. Very easy-going and sippable.
Thursday at 05:11 AM
3.75 by BeerWasp from Germany on Thursday at 01:57 AM
4.25 by Brob245 from Missouri on Sunday at 11:37 PM
5/5 rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Grizz708
Probably the best IPA I have never had
Jun 15, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by Grizz708
Probably the best IPA I have never had
Jun 15, 2022
4.19/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by OfficerVZdiver
Went to our newest wine store in town, couldn’t believe they had it, and was the last one! This is a very easy drinking IPA. Seems like a West Coast and New England had a baby. Just a little bit of hops and pine but nothing overpowering. Same goes for the fruitiness. Not the best IPA but prob a very good one to start new drinkers with….if you can find it!
Jun 14, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by OfficerVZdiver
Went to our newest wine store in town, couldn’t believe they had it, and was the last one! This is a very easy drinking IPA. Seems like a West Coast and New England had a baby. Just a little bit of hops and pine but nothing overpowering. Same goes for the fruitiness. Not the best IPA but prob a very good one to start new drinkers with….if you can find it!
Jun 14, 2022
4.67/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by mwilbur from Minnesota
Poured from 16.9 oz bottle into proper pint glass. Stamped 14DEC21 (best within 90 days…which was about 3 months ago).
A: Pours a clear dark golden yellow hue with 2-3 inch frothy white head with excellent retention.
S: Honeyed melon, white grape, dank grass, subtle tangerine, pine, and cracker malt.
T: Dank grass, honeyed melon, white grape, white pepper, soft and bitter pine resin, tangerine, dry cracker malt, and subtle lemon, earthy, and floral notes. Nice complexity!
M: Light body. Dry throughout with citrus and other fruit sweetness, mildly bitter with subtle earthy and spice elements. Delicate cracker malt backbone. Excellent balance!
D: Wow! What an outstanding APA/IPA (seems to sit right on the border between the two). Superb for style.
Jun 13, 2022
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by mwilbur from Minnesota
Poured from 16.9 oz bottle into proper pint glass. Stamped 14DEC21 (best within 90 days…which was about 3 months ago).
A: Pours a clear dark golden yellow hue with 2-3 inch frothy white head with excellent retention.
S: Honeyed melon, white grape, dank grass, subtle tangerine, pine, and cracker malt.
T: Dank grass, honeyed melon, white grape, white pepper, soft and bitter pine resin, tangerine, dry cracker malt, and subtle lemon, earthy, and floral notes. Nice complexity!
M: Light body. Dry throughout with citrus and other fruit sweetness, mildly bitter with subtle earthy and spice elements. Delicate cracker malt backbone. Excellent balance!
D: Wow! What an outstanding APA/IPA (seems to sit right on the border between the two). Superb for style.
Jun 13, 2022
3.92/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 3.75
by HardTarget from Texas
Appearance: Yellow/Blonde glass with serious chill haze. Holds a halo of white foam that leaves a few wisps of lace.
Aroma: Lemongrass hop note, some crystal malt base, mild overall.
Taste: Gentle profile, light slightly earthy, slightly pine hop bitterness blends with a full malt base, slight perfume floral note, little tonic water finish.
Mouthfeel: Slight grit in a silky base, medium heavy carbonation, medium body.
Overall: A little underwhelmed given the big scores it gets. It's a fine beer, just very East Coast in my book. Hops just didn't pop, not nearly citric enough for me, leaving this more of an APA ranged beer. It shipped from Virginia, arrived very warm, that might have taken some of the bloom off of the hops, I'd be happy to try again but I don't see the bones of a great whale here. Still a good catch.
Jun 11, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 3.75
by HardTarget from Texas
Appearance: Yellow/Blonde glass with serious chill haze. Holds a halo of white foam that leaves a few wisps of lace.
Aroma: Lemongrass hop note, some crystal malt base, mild overall.
Taste: Gentle profile, light slightly earthy, slightly pine hop bitterness blends with a full malt base, slight perfume floral note, little tonic water finish.
Mouthfeel: Slight grit in a silky base, medium heavy carbonation, medium body.
Overall: A little underwhelmed given the big scores it gets. It's a fine beer, just very East Coast in my book. Hops just didn't pop, not nearly citric enough for me, leaving this more of an APA ranged beer. It shipped from Virginia, arrived very warm, that might have taken some of the bloom off of the hops, I'd be happy to try again but I don't see the bones of a great whale here. Still a good catch.
Jun 11, 2022
4.44/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by MagicJeff from Georgia
Poured from a bottle into my tulip glass.
Look: Pretty dark straw head with a thick foamy head. Body itself is crisp but also has slightest tinge of haze.
Smell: Pine, candied orange.
Taste: Orange hops, Some vegetal/grassy notes, even slight onion mid palate. Some graham cracker malt (think honeyed Teddy grahams). Dank pine and grapefruit, sight peppery alcoholic finish. Hoppy but very well balanced.
Feel: Medium bodied, very drinkable.
Drinking a 2 week old Lunch is one of the more pleasant beer experiences I've had in a while. Would love to try this on tap. Awesome beer, well worth seeking out.
Jun 08, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by MagicJeff from Georgia
Poured from a bottle into my tulip glass.
Look: Pretty dark straw head with a thick foamy head. Body itself is crisp but also has slightest tinge of haze.
Smell: Pine, candied orange.
Taste: Orange hops, Some vegetal/grassy notes, even slight onion mid palate. Some graham cracker malt (think honeyed Teddy grahams). Dank pine and grapefruit, sight peppery alcoholic finish. Hoppy but very well balanced.
Feel: Medium bodied, very drinkable.
Drinking a 2 week old Lunch is one of the more pleasant beer experiences I've had in a while. Would love to try this on tap. Awesome beer, well worth seeking out.
Jun 08, 2022
4.37 by Aewachiw from Maryland on Jun 05, 2022
4.85 by Bryan-K from Pennsylvania on Jun 02, 2022
4.39/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by Pablo35 from Pennsylvania
A crisp and clean NEIPA that lives up to its description as an “East Coast version of a West Coast IPA”. Reminiscent of Bell’s Two Hearted, but a little lighter in color and taste. Excellent brew!
May 30, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by Pablo35 from Pennsylvania
A crisp and clean NEIPA that lives up to its description as an “East Coast version of a West Coast IPA”. Reminiscent of Bell’s Two Hearted, but a little lighter in color and taste. Excellent brew!
May 30, 2022
4.35 by nicholasyfu1 on May 29, 2022
4.81 by Dougj113 on May 27, 2022
4.03 by FunkyPolak from New Jersey on May 27, 2022
4.16 by lsudduth from Ohio on May 24, 2022
4.42/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by BobHop from North Carolina
Very drinkable ipa. Found it at string bean in belmont nc
May 14, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by BobHop from North Carolina
Very drinkable ipa. Found it at string bean in belmont nc
May 14, 2022
4.67 by miguelk from Texas on May 07, 2022
4.21 by cold_beer on May 07, 2022
4.54 by ebanigan on May 04, 2022
4.46 by selekt0r on Apr 17, 2022
4.65/5 rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by kalsarikannit from Massachusetts
A damn good, nicely balanced citrusy dry hopped NEIPA, without being a juice bomb.
Appearance is only moderately hazy, peach/apricot color.
Smell is forward of citrus, lemon, stonefruit, grapefruit.
Feel is perfect, just the right amount of carbonation.
Taste is a perfect balance. Clearly dry hopped, citrus forward but not a juice bomb. Lemon, stone fruit, grapefruit, without being overwhelming. Nicely balanced mild hops bitterness in the background.
Overall, this one is pretty much perfect. Totally satisfying, hard to have just one.
Apr 13, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
by kalsarikannit from Massachusetts
A damn good, nicely balanced citrusy dry hopped NEIPA, without being a juice bomb.
Appearance is only moderately hazy, peach/apricot color.
Smell is forward of citrus, lemon, stonefruit, grapefruit.
Feel is perfect, just the right amount of carbonation.
Taste is a perfect balance. Clearly dry hopped, citrus forward but not a juice bomb. Lemon, stone fruit, grapefruit, without being overwhelming. Nicely balanced mild hops bitterness in the background.
Overall, this one is pretty much perfect. Totally satisfying, hard to have just one.
Apr 13, 2022
3.54 by Davifex on Apr 12, 2022
4.04 by Slyde180 from Texas on Apr 09, 2022
4.49 by adamstef on Apr 08, 2022
4.84 by Joebelanger75 from Massachusetts on Apr 04, 2022
4.36/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by Takeahike1 from Massachusetts
Lucky enough to have this always available at my local. No matter how many other beers are on the menu, this is the go-to. Smooth easy drinking, great kind of bitter taste- bitter like beer used to be. Clean. It's a great beer when you want a beer. Not great if you were hoping for a fruit salad ;)
Apr 04, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by Takeahike1 from Massachusetts
Lucky enough to have this always available at my local. No matter how many other beers are on the menu, this is the go-to. Smooth easy drinking, great kind of bitter taste- bitter like beer used to be. Clean. It's a great beer when you want a beer. Not great if you were hoping for a fruit salad ;)
Apr 04, 2022
4.5 by tonystanhope from Florida on Apr 04, 2022
4 by Pitervandries on Apr 03, 2022
4.14 by cabsandking from Ohio on Apr 02, 2022
5 by johnzur on Mar 31, 2022
3.5 by jkermitj from Mississippi on Mar 20, 2022
4.29/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
Marilyn's of Morgantown, 3/18/22.
Incredible. The aroma is fresh basil and light licorice...in an ipa!
Really warming...I think that's the malt coming through. But I can't get over the basil!
(Dave) The malt aspect is a slight turn off for me. I don't really enjoy this like a highly rated beer should...
Mar 18, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Bluerabbitbell from Pennsylvania
Marilyn's of Morgantown, 3/18/22.
Incredible. The aroma is fresh basil and light licorice...in an ipa!
Really warming...I think that's the malt coming through. But I can't get over the basil!
(Dave) The malt aspect is a slight turn off for me. I don't really enjoy this like a highly rated beer should...
Mar 18, 2022
4.62 by FrankCastle from California on Mar 13, 2022
4.2 by spicychimichurri on Mar 12, 2022
4.3 by BuxMontBeerLover from Pennsylvania on Mar 06, 2022
4.54/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by ZAP from Minnesota
Bottled Dec 14, 2021 so about 10 weeks old.
L-Apricot colored with a nice creamy white head
S-Been awhile since I've been pleasured with an aroma like this...pine, ganja, grapefruit, tangerines, and then a true tropical impression as well that seems more natural than the aroma's coming off these new era Hazy's... Truly an elite old school IPA aroma from years gone by.
T-The flavor is a bit more dialed back with a nice balancing honeyed cracker like malt bill. Hops starts off with citrus (tangerines/oranges/grapefruit) while also continuing on with the dank pine, ganja, tobacco like notes...a hint of tropical fruits as well...
F-Perfect. Good balance...medium bodied. Smooth drinking....bitterness is on the low side of medium...
O-I really like this. My kind of IPA. Bought this at a place 90 minutes from me and am already plotting out a way to get there soon again.
Mar 04, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by ZAP from Minnesota
Bottled Dec 14, 2021 so about 10 weeks old.
L-Apricot colored with a nice creamy white head
S-Been awhile since I've been pleasured with an aroma like this...pine, ganja, grapefruit, tangerines, and then a true tropical impression as well that seems more natural than the aroma's coming off these new era Hazy's... Truly an elite old school IPA aroma from years gone by.
T-The flavor is a bit more dialed back with a nice balancing honeyed cracker like malt bill. Hops starts off with citrus (tangerines/oranges/grapefruit) while also continuing on with the dank pine, ganja, tobacco like notes...a hint of tropical fruits as well...
F-Perfect. Good balance...medium bodied. Smooth drinking....bitterness is on the low side of medium...
O-I really like this. My kind of IPA. Bought this at a place 90 minutes from me and am already plotting out a way to get there soon again.
Mar 04, 2022
4.39/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by StJamesGate from New York
Hazy dark orange with sticky taupe foam; candied orange + passionfruit with bits of sweat and resin on the nose; FCOJ then mango, pine and ganga; smooth, oily, medium.
4 4.25 4.5 4.25 4.5
Warrior, Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe
Flavor notes just don’t tell the whole story: yeah, there’s Amarillo citrus + tropical Simcoe with a resin edge.
It’s the knife-edge balance, the shifting intensity that recalls Pliny in how it lets you relax + underestimate it only to surprise you again.
6 week old freshness is helping a lot here. Chalky, clean bitterness and silky body seals the deal.
Nails the East Coast-West Coast hybrid better than anything I’ve tasted.
I get the fuss. Divine.
Feb 17, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by StJamesGate from New York
Hazy dark orange with sticky taupe foam; candied orange + passionfruit with bits of sweat and resin on the nose; FCOJ then mango, pine and ganga; smooth, oily, medium.
4 4.25 4.5 4.25 4.5
Warrior, Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe
Flavor notes just don’t tell the whole story: yeah, there’s Amarillo citrus + tropical Simcoe with a resin edge.
It’s the knife-edge balance, the shifting intensity that recalls Pliny in how it lets you relax + underestimate it only to surprise you again.
6 week old freshness is helping a lot here. Chalky, clean bitterness and silky body seals the deal.
Nails the East Coast-West Coast hybrid better than anything I’ve tasted.
I get the fuss. Divine.
Feb 17, 2022
4.28 by kds2437 from Texas on Feb 16, 2022
4.25 by ryand14 from Michigan on Feb 14, 2022
4.02 by hotwired from New Jersey on Jan 19, 2022
Lunch from Maine Beer Company
Beer rating:
97 out of
100 with
6041 ratings