The Waldos' Special Ale | Lagunitas Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Lagunitas Brewing Company
California, United States
lagunitas.com
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.50%
Availability: Spring
Notes / Commercial Description:
Brewed for all the treasure hunters.
Herbaceous. Botanical. Dank. Resinous.
Added by largadeer on 04-21-2011
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 430 | Ratings: 1,914
4.4/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
L - Deep and relatively clear reddish-gold. Slightly off-white head that tends to not stick around
S - Exceedingly fruit-forward: pineapple, passion fruit, plum or strawberry.
T - Pine and herbal, almost vegetable. Noticeably not very fruity. At 11.9% (!) only the slightest bit boozy.
F - Medium bodied with a remarkably dry finish.
O - To me, a very "technically" excellent beer. Not a daily sipper, but still very impressive. I can recognize how difficult it is to a make a beer this big taste this balanced, and not like pure booze.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
L - Deep and relatively clear reddish-gold. Slightly off-white head that tends to not stick around
S - Exceedingly fruit-forward: pineapple, passion fruit, plum or strawberry.
T - Pine and herbal, almost vegetable. Noticeably not very fruity. At 11.9% (!) only the slightest bit boozy.
F - Medium bodied with a remarkably dry finish.
O - To me, a very "technically" excellent beer. Not a daily sipper, but still very impressive. I can recognize how difficult it is to a make a beer this big taste this balanced, and not like pure booze.
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4.44/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Faintly hazy, golden hued, with a thick, soapy head. Dank and resinous aroma. Zesty and spicy flavor, heavy on the hop presence; very bitter; deep, subtle malt flavors, subtle caramel and sweet but not too sweet. Heavy body; coarse on the palate; dry and biting with a pleasing edge of alcohol heat.
This does qualify as a "wow" beer, smell and taste-wise. It suffers somewhat in appearance from its rather lackluster head, yet many high ABV beers suffer the same thing. It comes with the territory. Ah, but the rush of scent to the nostrils and the lip-smacking, tongue buckling flavors really stand out. Sure, not outstanding from all judgement points, but on the ones that really count, this is a standout beer...
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Faintly hazy, golden hued, with a thick, soapy head. Dank and resinous aroma. Zesty and spicy flavor, heavy on the hop presence; very bitter; deep, subtle malt flavors, subtle caramel and sweet but not too sweet. Heavy body; coarse on the palate; dry and biting with a pleasing edge of alcohol heat.
This does qualify as a "wow" beer, smell and taste-wise. It suffers somewhat in appearance from its rather lackluster head, yet many high ABV beers suffer the same thing. It comes with the territory. Ah, but the rush of scent to the nostrils and the lip-smacking, tongue buckling flavors really stand out. Sure, not outstanding from all judgement points, but on the ones that really count, this is a standout beer...
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4.77/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass. The appearance is a clear golden color with a small white head. The aroma is a full on assault of citrus hops. The taste is a nice mellow hop bomb. Outstanding beer.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass. The appearance is a clear golden color with a small white head. The aroma is a full on assault of citrus hops. The taste is a nice mellow hop bomb. Outstanding beer.
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4.09/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This is a big boy. No doubt the booze is there but for this big of a beer it is pretty well balanced. Overripe mango and pineapple melds with some piney hops and a caramel/butterscotch malt profile. The entire palate is covered with sticky, piney hops, and the flavors stick and linger for quite a while.
Really impressed at the relative balance of this one.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This is a big boy. No doubt the booze is there but for this big of a beer it is pretty well balanced. Overripe mango and pineapple melds with some piney hops and a caramel/butterscotch malt profile. The entire palate is covered with sticky, piney hops, and the flavors stick and linger for quite a while.
Really impressed at the relative balance of this one.
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4.24/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hot, slightly sweet, dank and smooth. Damn this is one hell of an IPA. How Lagunitas is able to pull together an 11%+ ABV IPA that remains not only drinkable but also enjoyable is beyond me...and to do it at essentially $2/bottle? Outrageous. Pours the darker side of honey-gold with a thin head that separates into nothing. Aroma fills about a 3-foot radius around the bottle - pine, lemongrass, pakalolo, resin, sap. Tastes and drinks like a uber-hopped wine built for slow-sipping. The beer feels thick and viscous and has a level of sweetness that balances out the hops and alcohol, but not completely - this baby has some heat that warms the throat. One and done, for sure, but it's a hell of a glass. Great experience. Not sure how this isn't a triple IPA at this size (assuming size is everything)...
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hot, slightly sweet, dank and smooth. Damn this is one hell of an IPA. How Lagunitas is able to pull together an 11%+ ABV IPA that remains not only drinkable but also enjoyable is beyond me...and to do it at essentially $2/bottle? Outrageous. Pours the darker side of honey-gold with a thin head that separates into nothing. Aroma fills about a 3-foot radius around the bottle - pine, lemongrass, pakalolo, resin, sap. Tastes and drinks like a uber-hopped wine built for slow-sipping. The beer feels thick and viscous and has a level of sweetness that balances out the hops and alcohol, but not completely - this baby has some heat that warms the throat. One and done, for sure, but it's a hell of a glass. Great experience. Not sure how this isn't a triple IPA at this size (assuming size is everything)...
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4.27/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from bottle to teku
clear amber pour, like really clear
getting dank, piney honey
big flavor on first sips. alcohol is present, but there's a lot of flavor that follows the piney honey nose
glad to have tried it, an big flavor but easy to drink 11.9%- will look for it next year.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured from bottle to teku
clear amber pour, like really clear
getting dank, piney honey
big flavor on first sips. alcohol is present, but there's a lot of flavor that follows the piney honey nose
glad to have tried it, an big flavor but easy to drink 11.9%- will look for it next year.
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4.9/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Lagunitas really knocked this one out of the park! Both last years and this years batch were dank AF! Great seasonal 4/20 hoppy release! Super excited they made it again!
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Lagunitas really knocked this one out of the park! Both last years and this years batch were dank AF! Great seasonal 4/20 hoppy release! Super excited they made it again!
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4.84/5 rDev +12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Dank as dank can be, and a wonderful DIPA! For those of us who like this style of beer this is a really, really good version. Great hoppiness and warmth with the higher ABV. Highly recommend.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Dank as dank can be, and a wonderful DIPA! For those of us who like this style of beer this is a really, really good version. Great hoppiness and warmth with the higher ABV. Highly recommend.
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4.81/5 rDev +11.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Enjoyed on a quiet weekend morning while watching a Del Toro Heineken commercial. Drinking from a tulip glass.
1 cm. head quickly dissipating to scant moustaches. Copper-golden, no murk, nothing floating in there.
Strong aroma of grapefruit, pine, wildflower honey, tangerine. Not much changes as it warms which is a feature.
By now I expect the huge rush of hops and strong malt support from this, but I still remember being bowled over the first year I could try this. Really even match between the hop dank and sweetness. I can understand anyone who finds this too sweet, but not for me.
Thick, almost chewy mouthfeel. Only noticed the 12% ABV when I have a cold or allergies. If not for past experience, I'd keep drinking these all day.
One of my annual beer highlights.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Enjoyed on a quiet weekend morning while watching a Del Toro Heineken commercial. Drinking from a tulip glass.
1 cm. head quickly dissipating to scant moustaches. Copper-golden, no murk, nothing floating in there.
Strong aroma of grapefruit, pine, wildflower honey, tangerine. Not much changes as it warms which is a feature.
By now I expect the huge rush of hops and strong malt support from this, but I still remember being bowled over the first year I could try this. Really even match between the hop dank and sweetness. I can understand anyone who finds this too sweet, but not for me.
Thick, almost chewy mouthfeel. Only noticed the 12% ABV when I have a cold or allergies. If not for past experience, I'd keep drinking these all day.
One of my annual beer highlights.
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4.99/5 rDev +15.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't throw the word "dank" around very often, but you do not know dank until you've had The Waldos. This beer has a damn near perfect combination of over-the-top hoppiness and delicious chewy malt. Forget wasting your time waiting in line in the middle of the woods somewhere for a bottle of over-hyped beer brewed by some pretentious hipster who thinks he's Yoda. You can get this at the grocery store every April for under 11 bucks a 6 pack. Believe me, it doesn't get much better than this.
BY THE WAY, BEER NOOBS: If you dislike a style so much that you are incapable of rating it objectively, please do yourself and the rest of us a favor and DO NOT RATE BEERS OF THAT STYLE. Thanks. Carry on.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't throw the word "dank" around very often, but you do not know dank until you've had The Waldos. This beer has a damn near perfect combination of over-the-top hoppiness and delicious chewy malt. Forget wasting your time waiting in line in the middle of the woods somewhere for a bottle of over-hyped beer brewed by some pretentious hipster who thinks he's Yoda. You can get this at the grocery store every April for under 11 bucks a 6 pack. Believe me, it doesn't get much better than this.
BY THE WAY, BEER NOOBS: If you dislike a style so much that you are incapable of rating it objectively, please do yourself and the rest of us a favor and DO NOT RATE BEERS OF THAT STYLE. Thanks. Carry on.
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4.39/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz bottle poured into a snifter at fridge temp. Just a few weeks old.
Pours a slightly hazy medium amber color. Leaves about a finger of foamy head.
The aroma of hops streams out of the bottle upon opening. Also I am getting mango, citrus fruits, and pine. No booze.
Hops dominate the taste with definite fruity and earthy tones. Not getting much alcohol taste at all. Bitter upfront and on the finish but complex enough to keep things interesting.
Mouthfeel is quite heavy. Definite warming sensation of alcohol. Very drinkable.
Overall a great double IPA. At the risk of sounding cliche, this beer is dank. Impressive how well the booze is hidden among the hops. Be careful with this one!
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
12oz bottle poured into a snifter at fridge temp. Just a few weeks old.
Pours a slightly hazy medium amber color. Leaves about a finger of foamy head.
The aroma of hops streams out of the bottle upon opening. Also I am getting mango, citrus fruits, and pine. No booze.
Hops dominate the taste with definite fruity and earthy tones. Not getting much alcohol taste at all. Bitter upfront and on the finish but complex enough to keep things interesting.
Mouthfeel is quite heavy. Definite warming sensation of alcohol. Very drinkable.
Overall a great double IPA. At the risk of sounding cliche, this beer is dank. Impressive how well the booze is hidden among the hops. Be careful with this one!
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2.54/5 rDev -41.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.75
Disclaimer: NOT A FAN OF IPA's! Beer pours hazy yellow with with a white head and lacing. Smell of cactus and pine. The taste is IPA harsh with the funky cactus flavor. The good points is it's 11.9% and it does go down smooth but the aftertaste is there.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.75
Disclaimer: NOT A FAN OF IPA's! Beer pours hazy yellow with with a white head and lacing. Smell of cactus and pine. The taste is IPA harsh with the funky cactus flavor. The good points is it's 11.9% and it does go down smooth but the aftertaste is there.
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3.87/5 rDev -10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap into a tulip glass. Pours a golden amber color with a finger head that recedes moderately and leaves a thin ring of lacing at the top of the glass. Nose of dank and pine hops. Decent amount of malt with citrus, pine, and dank hops leading to a sharp, boozy finish. Medium body and medium carbonation with an unavoidable boozy aftertaste.
It's an interesting beer but the aftertaste was too much for me. For me, it's a once in a while sipper but taste is subjective.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap into a tulip glass. Pours a golden amber color with a finger head that recedes moderately and leaves a thin ring of lacing at the top of the glass. Nose of dank and pine hops. Decent amount of malt with citrus, pine, and dank hops leading to a sharp, boozy finish. Medium body and medium carbonation with an unavoidable boozy aftertaste.
It's an interesting beer but the aftertaste was too much for me. For me, it's a once in a while sipper but taste is subjective.
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4.76/5 rDev +10.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Best beer I ever had from Lagunitas and @ Over 11% abv I have to say well done. Very piney and smooth can barely tell it's so potent. Taste might even be better than Hopslam.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Best beer I ever had from Lagunitas and @ Over 11% abv I have to say well done. Very piney and smooth can barely tell it's so potent. Taste might even be better than Hopslam.
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4.06/5 rDev -6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
First taste is too much flavor profile at once, herby, fruit, and a dank Ness hit me all at once. Second and third taste I really started to appreciate and get the individual notes of lychee and citrus. Herbs are not as string as I got half way through. Strong alcohol but as I lingered along with this beer it holds all strong notes of all the flavor profiles to the end.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
First taste is too much flavor profile at once, herby, fruit, and a dank Ness hit me all at once. Second and third taste I really started to appreciate and get the individual notes of lychee and citrus. Herbs are not as string as I got half way through. Strong alcohol but as I lingered along with this beer it holds all strong notes of all the flavor profiles to the end.
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4.12/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
Thick mouth feel. Over hoppy and bitter the first time with a strong alcohol taste. The second time that I ordered a glass it was after fried food and the beer tasted crisp and flowery with a weak alcohol aftertaste. I started getting buzzed good after the third. Oily food helps the flavor
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look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
Thick mouth feel. Over hoppy and bitter the first time with a strong alcohol taste. The second time that I ordered a glass it was after fried food and the beer tasted crisp and flowery with a weak alcohol aftertaste. I started getting buzzed good after the third. Oily food helps the flavor
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3.8/5 rDev -12%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
As much as I like Lagunitas for its entrepreneurial zeal (and its good sense and better citizenship to put its main production facility on Chicago's struggling westside), I regard this ale as a cheap shot for the hop-head market; appealing to their baser instincts... (or their lesser angels, if you are a hop-head.)
While its orange makes Waldos a good Looker.
Is abundant hops and barley give off lots of juicy Smells.
But quickly, Taste gets drown out by the bittering hops, lots of them.
This imposes on Feel and it is way too bitter for me to want to finish this ale. So I didn't.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
As much as I like Lagunitas for its entrepreneurial zeal (and its good sense and better citizenship to put its main production facility on Chicago's struggling westside), I regard this ale as a cheap shot for the hop-head market; appealing to their baser instincts... (or their lesser angels, if you are a hop-head.)
While its orange makes Waldos a good Looker.
Is abundant hops and barley give off lots of juicy Smells.
But quickly, Taste gets drown out by the bittering hops, lots of them.
This imposes on Feel and it is way too bitter for me to want to finish this ale. So I didn't.
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4.28/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a pretty darn clear copper colored ale.
Whiffs of citrus fruits dipped into dankness. Some alcohol smells are differently present.
The taste is a blend of citrus, mango, pineapple and lemon zest. A bit boozy. Mucho bitterness on the swallow and aftertaste.
Overall this is a very nice beer though the alcohol is definitely present which makes multiples a bit tough. Still.....this is a meal in a bottle and worth seeking out and experiencing this beast.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a pretty darn clear copper colored ale.
Whiffs of citrus fruits dipped into dankness. Some alcohol smells are differently present.
The taste is a blend of citrus, mango, pineapple and lemon zest. A bit boozy. Mucho bitterness on the swallow and aftertaste.
Overall this is a very nice beer though the alcohol is definitely present which makes multiples a bit tough. Still.....this is a meal in a bottle and worth seeking out and experiencing this beast.
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4.3/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a slightly hazy deep gold color with an inch and a half head that dissipated quickly and left a fair amount of lacing. Smells of tropical and citrus fruits, pine with a sweet malt presence. Tastes of grapefruit, mango, pine, spices and a hint of malt. Finishes quite dry and moderately bitter, full bodied, alcohol noticeable but well hidden at 11.5%.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a slightly hazy deep gold color with an inch and a half head that dissipated quickly and left a fair amount of lacing. Smells of tropical and citrus fruits, pine with a sweet malt presence. Tastes of grapefruit, mango, pine, spices and a hint of malt. Finishes quite dry and moderately bitter, full bodied, alcohol noticeable but well hidden at 11.5%.
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4.5/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a cloudy-with-fine-yeast dark gold topped with a beauty white head that left bas relief lace as it slowly retreated to a lasting cap.
Med. strength aroma that is a wonderful mix of crisp grainy sweet, sweet general citrus, grapefruit pith, and sativa herb.
Full flavored attack of all the flavors in the nose followed by righteous dank bitter herb at the end of the sip that is a blast of great flavors.
Thick, viscous, med. carb., killer finish mouthfeel that is just a perfect frame for the flavor profile.
Wooaahhh, dude let's party, this one is for the Waldo's. Mad respect da kine brew.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a cloudy-with-fine-yeast dark gold topped with a beauty white head that left bas relief lace as it slowly retreated to a lasting cap.
Med. strength aroma that is a wonderful mix of crisp grainy sweet, sweet general citrus, grapefruit pith, and sativa herb.
Full flavored attack of all the flavors in the nose followed by righteous dank bitter herb at the end of the sip that is a blast of great flavors.
Thick, viscous, med. carb., killer finish mouthfeel that is just a perfect frame for the flavor profile.
Wooaahhh, dude let's party, this one is for the Waldo's. Mad respect da kine brew.
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4.53/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dear God, meet thy destroyer.... if you could throw yourself full speed at a wall of beer, this is it. If you could crash a top-speed into an IPA with your mouth open with a turbo on your back, this is it. Completely dangerous - smooth, resinous, dank, and hides the ABV (nearly 12% wth?) incredibly well. I struggle with big beers, anything over 8% really, but this is frankly worth it. Will be getting every year from now on. Promise. Not just the weed-i-ness in this monster talking.
I swear.
Wall. Of. Beer.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dear God, meet thy destroyer.... if you could throw yourself full speed at a wall of beer, this is it. If you could crash a top-speed into an IPA with your mouth open with a turbo on your back, this is it. Completely dangerous - smooth, resinous, dank, and hides the ABV (nearly 12% wth?) incredibly well. I struggle with big beers, anything over 8% really, but this is frankly worth it. Will be getting every year from now on. Promise. Not just the weed-i-ness in this monster talking.
I swear.
Wall. Of. Beer.
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4.57/5 rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Casa Video Film Bar. Pours a beautiful and clear dark golden color with a half finger of white head. Smells of sweet fruits and mild hops. Tastes very sweet and very bitter, with malt, some hops, sweet fruits, pine resin, and some citrus. Very full, resinous, and syrupy mouthfeel. Overall one of the better DIPAs that I've had.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Casa Video Film Bar. Pours a beautiful and clear dark golden color with a half finger of white head. Smells of sweet fruits and mild hops. Tastes very sweet and very bitter, with malt, some hops, sweet fruits, pine resin, and some citrus. Very full, resinous, and syrupy mouthfeel. Overall one of the better DIPAs that I've had.
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4.5/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
The beer pours a beautiful golden color with a one inch off-white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is outstanding. It's bold and bitter up front with a good deal of citrus hop notes. The malts create adequate balance, but are overshadowed by a wonderful hop bouquet. The taste is very good. It's malty sweet with a rich, warm, bold character. The hops are right there every step of the way bringing balance and an overwhelming bitterness and hop flavor. The mouthfeel is fine. It's a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a damn fine beer and a fine example of what DIPA's can be when they are properly brewed and approaching 12% abv. It's a slow, tasty beer with enormous flavor and depth. This is one to take your time and enjoy. Thanks to my friend Freddie Vedder for the opportunity to try this.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
The beer pours a beautiful golden color with a one inch off-white head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is outstanding. It's bold and bitter up front with a good deal of citrus hop notes. The malts create adequate balance, but are overshadowed by a wonderful hop bouquet. The taste is very good. It's malty sweet with a rich, warm, bold character. The hops are right there every step of the way bringing balance and an overwhelming bitterness and hop flavor. The mouthfeel is fine. It's a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a damn fine beer and a fine example of what DIPA's can be when they are properly brewed and approaching 12% abv. It's a slow, tasty beer with enormous flavor and depth. This is one to take your time and enjoy. Thanks to my friend Freddie Vedder for the opportunity to try this.
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4.66/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Just shy of the perfect triple IPA. The flavor is spot on with piney dankness, West Coast IPA x10. Alcohol taste is very hidden. For big IPAs, I like there to be a softer mouth feel, but very minor issue. 9.75/10
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look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Just shy of the perfect triple IPA. The flavor is spot on with piney dankness, West Coast IPA x10. Alcohol taste is very hidden. For big IPAs, I like there to be a softer mouth feel, but very minor issue. 9.75/10
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The Waldos' Special Ale from Lagunitas Brewing Company
4.32
out of 5
based on 1,914 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Slightly hazy pinkish orange body, soapy frothy white head that leaves very little lace and the only remainders of the head are shallow clouds. The pungent nose turns up tons of tropical fruits like orange, grapefruit, mango, apricot, peach, as well as some stiff bread crust/caramel and an insidious undertone of alcoholic firepower. The flavor still does not reveal the near 12% hiding within, instead displaying more fruit, a bit of pine, and the hearty malts. The fruit is the most prominent but belies the bite beneath. On the first few sips it is astoundingly bitter, but as I begin my thirteenth and subsequent ounces, a pervasive sweetness grows to rival it, eventually equaling it proving to be a well engineered brew. The body is slick and somewhat astringent, barely avoiding the harsh alcohol notes with cleverly devised flavors and quick, fine carbonation.
Triple IPA indeed. And yet, the flavor was too delicate, the heat too obscured, for me to believe it. How did such clear flavors persevere through all that chaotic chemistry? Kudos to Lagunitas, this was an insanely over-the-top IPA that was somehow approachable. It didn't have the dankness I wanted, despite being very fresh, but nevertheless, it did impress.
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