London Confusion
Lagunitas Brewing Company

 

 

With the ever illusive experimental "Fusion" series gracing the taplist, its thirty-sixth rendition gives us all the juicy hop glory with which Lagunitas is famed but the flavors are woven together with the recipe of British ale.

Its deep bronze pour is richer than golden but not quite brown. With its creamy white froth prominently on display, its hoppy scent tilts heavily orange-like with the character of jam, tropical fruit, freshly shaven woods and an herbal, tea-like character. Its taste is plump with malt sweetness, carrying a caramel, honey and biscuit-like richness across the early palate.

Though the ale trends drying over the middle, its development isn't as great as IPA. Clinging on to a moderate amount of malt sweetness, a fructose-leading fruit sweetness is redolent with orange blossom, pink grapefruit, and herbal lemon leaf. As its marmalade and poundcake character relaxes, its herbal hop finish soon takes command, bringing a broad and woodsy bitterness that evokes the taste of sun tea, perfume pine shavings and herbal sassafras.

Medium-bodied and off-dry, the beer's balance strives for an even-keel tone, but the hops eventually win out, finishing with citrus and spruce and with the snappy mineral quality of tonic water and suggestions of mint.

 

Fairly grassy, piney, resiny aroma.

Flavor is citrusy, piney, earthy, with a moderately bitter finish.

On tap at Growler Grlz, Durham

White head with good retention and lace. Golden orange color.

Very resiny and sticky with a nice orange and grapefruit citrus profile. Very fruity and zesty. Light bitterness to it. Solid IPA.