Lagunitas 2018 Willetized Coffee Stout

It is interesting isn't it? It all depends on how you want to look at it.

I understand looking at it from the value perspective that many have mentioned, being that $8-9 a bomber is not anywhere NEAR the value of a $12-14 6-pack.

I also understand your perspective.

I think I will grab one if it is less than $9 bomber. Just, because I want to see how it shows up.

 

I bought a LOT of High Westified in '16 and a lot of Willetized in '17 due to the value.

I drink both of these often as I bought so much.

'17 Willetized has literally not changed IMO and cellared just fine. But I was never the biggest fan of it to begin with. High Westified blew me away so much in 2016 that I jumped on a quantity of Willetized before even trying it.

'16 High Westified has aged gracefully IMO. I am anything but an advocate of cellaring beer believing that it will improve. Yes, a few beers do but I believe a much greater proportion do not. I'm definitely in the camp of drink fresh... even big stouts. This beer, however, was a rarity and I seem to enjoy more and more as the months wear on it.

Cliff notes: Willetized remains unchanged in one year IMO. High westified is equal to or greater than as delicious at 2 years cellared than as it was fresh IMO.

 

Drank one last night. Thought it was ok until it warmed up a little then thought it was pretty damn good. Glad I bought two. It’s not as big of a stout as BCBS but I like that. If I wanted a BCBS I’d drink BCBS. Also glad it’s not as big considering I drank 22oz by myself.

 

I made a snarky remark on their Instagram page about the use of bomber format as opposed to the great deal with 6-packs last year. This is the message they sent me.

 

Should have replied, "so we don't get the middle man dick anymore... now we get it from the source." What a weak excuse on their part.

 

Fantastic beer not so fantastic bombers.

 

Honestly I couldn't even think of the words to use to formulate a good response. I was surprised that they gave me that reasoning. Just ignored it and figured well, they're not getting my money for this release. Many other great brands and products out there.

 

I don't think this year's is a very good beer. Every other BA stout release I've had this year has been better. Those other beers are usually more money, but I'll pay a little more for a thicker, tastier beer.

 

Sounds like they are playing the victim here: no matter how their customers view them--and especially when it is a negative view--it's not their fault. Unfortunately, it sounds like the new American way: "Step right up folks and buy our wonderful, incredibly fantastic product. Oh, you don't like something about it? Well, we hear ya, but it's not our fault, it's <someone else's> fault. Don't blame us! There's NOTHING we can do about it! So, anyway, cheers!"

 

Funny I did the same thing. I bought the last available 6 pack of High West and was so blown away when Willetized came out I bought (4) 6 packs before I even tried it. I really would have thought it would be basically the same beer.

Now I have 3 bottles of High West left and 3 packs plus a bottle of Willetized. High West is one that im saving for when im really in the mood, WIlletized is one I have to keep reminding myself I need to drink. Im not saying its bad but just kinda disappointing, even though its really not at whatever I paid for them.

 

Thank you for your opinion.

Here's mine.

I agree with this: "and at $10 for a bomber, it's still a better deal than almost every aged stout on the market." Do you understand the perspective of BOTH/AND? It may be that two different and seemingly opposite views can both be true; BOTH it is a great deal as it is when compared to what is currently in the market, AND it's not as good a deal as it was in the past when it was released in 6-pack 12oz bottle format.

If you want to judge that some on this thread are getting

then by all means, go ahead.

Cheers!

 

Still have not seen a bottle.......

Enjoy

 

Personally I liked Willetized 2017 more than the batches of High Westified I've had (on tap and in bottle). But I'm not really well versed in the realm of spirits. I just think the beer has more going on.

 

I guess my palate is different because for me High West 16 > Willetized 17 > Willetized 18. I just cannot get to do a vertical of all 3 by myself.

 

While I enjoyed the 12 ounce bottles, I do enjoy that this is actually lasting more than a day here this release. I have never had the opportunity to purchase a full six pack before since they were always split up. While I may not prefer the bomber format, I can definitely make an exception if it is only $8 for a barrel aged stout, still a deal by today's standards

 

Just came here to see why I haven’t seen sixers yet. Won’t be buying bombers of this one. Bummer, will have to wait for SMS to get 12 oz bb coffee stout.

Hopefully Lagunitas gets the message for next year...

 

All we can do is hope?

Cheers!