Lagunitas Born Yesterday 2018

FYI: I'm glad that at least the bottles state 'Borned' followed by the standard date format rather than simply providing a Julian date. (I believe this has been the case for the last few years?)

That to say, the 2018 bottles I have are marked "Borned 10/8/18
................................................................................... 1 0645"
And the ABV listed on the bottle is 7.2%. I heard from two different Lagunitas employees that the ABV of the Born Yesterday that was produced out of Chicago, IL was 7.7%, and further that the 7.7% beer could not be distributed in some states because Lagunitas' estimate of the ABV was off from the actual by more than is allowed in those states.

Does anyone have any bottles listed as 7.7% ABV, or any bottles with a '2' on the second line instead of a '1'? I believe the '1' represents the beers coming out of CA and the '2' represents the beer coming out of IL. I am curious as to whether the 7.7% beer coming out of IL has hit the market.

 

Yes those numbers (1 = Petaluma, 2 = Chicago) are correct. The Chicago bottles have been out in the market. It's likely these are the bottles which are (mostly) distributed east of the Mississippi or thereabouts. Except for perhaps those ABV variance exclusion states you mentioned. Would be interesting to try them side by side to see if any noticeable difference.

 

SHared a six on Sunday and enjoyed it very much. I love a little dank onion, it’s such a remedy to the overly soft and fluffy, no edges and no crispness approach so many are taking these days. Also loving the price point. This and meltdown from sixpoint have been recent highlights for me after wallet busting beers from (among others) Finback and Singlecut.

 

I've enjoyed two sixers of the "2" variety (7.7% ABV, apparently bottled in Chicago). Definitely a little dank onion, but I like that characteristic if well-balanced with some malty sweetness and a shit-ton of floral and fruity notes (aroma and taste). Pretty much fits the Lagunitas bill. I've definitely noticed a fall-off of some of the most attractive aroma and flavor notes in just a few weeks of sipping, but I guess that's kind of the point. I've still enjoyed my last few bottles even though they weren't quite as eye-popping as the first few. And I'll enthusiastically look forward to next year's batch (even if it can't possibly live up to the mythical 2016 offering ).

 

Just had my first Meltdown. It's really damn good.

 

This year's is good but not even close to what it once was. I was floored in 2016 when I first tried this beer. The nose and palate where amazing. This year both are on the weak side.

 

So is that why North Carolina has not received Born Yesterday??? Been looking for it since the release.

 

Yeah, it's possible. The TTB ABV tolerance is +/- 0.3 percent. So 7.7 would fall out of the variance for 7.2. Maybe NC is a stickler for this whereas other states are not?

I presume you received BY last year and in previous years?

 

none in Wisconsin yet either

 

We def receive every year, been waiting on it! Although now it is born last month! LOL

 

Picked up a sixer last week and was scratching my head seeing the "1" on the date code (10/8), being brewed in CA. Previously we always have received Chicago batches. Seems CT. is one of those states where 7.7% was not allowed.
I enjoyed very much though.

@Jaycase @HopsAreDaMan

Cheers all......

 

Bought a second six pack over the weekend and having one now. Still tasting great at one month. Infinitely better than the celebration ale I had before it.

 

I bought a 6 pack around 2 weeks ago that had the 7.7% ABV in CT. Just went back and checked and the other case that was in stock is the same. Maybe the shipments were just split up?

 

Found some BY in the Charlotte NC area. Really think this is the local Bud distributor for the central part of NC not ordering BY for the Triad area for this batch. When I have asked them about this beer they always get it confused with Born Again yesterday anyways. They have been known to not order Lag one hitters (Black Swan, Mozinga, etc).

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but 7.7% would be higher than any of the previous year's ABV's correct?

This could be why you always received it in the past.

 

Its really tasty... glad I scooped some

 

Received an email from my local store-Superior Manitowoc, that it finally hit here today. Will be out tomorrow to get some. Gina you're the best !!

 

Might be a dumb question but do they do multiple "batches" of this? I've only seen 10/8 bottles in stores.

 

I believe only the single batch. I don't recall multiple batches in the past anyway.

 

My brother picked some up and said his batch was 11/10/18.