Rebel IPA vs Lagunitas?

This is an enlightening take on Rebel! I think I probably knocked off .25 points or so off my review because it didn't meet my criteria for "west coast ipa" at all, but the fact is, it's a pretty mellow IPA that's easy enough to knock back a few, especially if you're in a limited-selection scenario.
The biggest issue I have with Rebel is this: for the same price to 2 bucks more per sixer at the bottle shop, I can get a better to far superior IPA. The value just isn't there for me.

 

according to the Lag IPA packaging, it has not changed since 1993, when it was first launched...not so sure thats a good thing, I find the newer IPAs to be much better...Lag IPA needs some updating if you ask me, its 2014 not 1993

On the other hand Sucks is in a class with Pliney and Heady, Lag would be wise to make it year round in tall cans!

 

Had them side by side last night, was my first Rebel. Both fresh bottles, bottled in January. Lags is the easy winner in my book, much more variety of aromas and hop tastes, and also a bit more robust as well. Rebel had a nice crispness, which I liked, but for flavor it was a muted piney-ness (which had been the main character of their previous Latitude 48) but without much else to fill in the aroma gap, for me. As mentioned, it was also a bit thinner than Lags, for me. If Rebel was the only IPA on the menu, I wouldn't turn it down, and I do like the price, but it should not worry Tony in the big picture. I've not been able to get the limited releases of Lags around these parts, but this tasting is making me yearn to try Sucks, big time. Old thread, I know, but I decided to give 2c.

 

Drain poured a fresh bottle. No real smell at all. Where is the citrus and grapefruit? West coast? I feel that BB is wrong for the way they describe this beer. I wasted my cash on this one. Still like the lager.

Enjoy

 

It is year round now in 32oz bottles, I assume they'll come when the 6 packs are all gone =D

 

Cheers to you Dogtown,in my frig now are Maximus,Pils,Sucks,and Lag Ipa.Rebel is a weaker gateway beer to Ipa'a,not a grade 4 beer but closer to a 3.25.Cheers

 

If SAB is trying to take over Lagunitas taps it's because Lagunitas is vulnerable .Lagunitas is not a great brewery... it's just ok. Im from a border state which has has difficulty getting good beers but am adjacent to states which do get a lot of craft beer. Lagunitas is never one I go for. If Lagunitas had tried to improve instead of expand I would feel more for them.

 

I've had both Lagunitas IPA and Rebel and they are both solid IPA's. Rebel fresh from the tap was significantly better than the bottle (no surprise there). Same result for the Lag IPA. Bottled is okay, but better from a good tap line. Neither is on my list of top IPA's however. There are plenty of beers from Lagunitas and BBC that I like much more.

 

Im actually in the minority and enjoyed rebel ipa quite a bit...furthermore it is available at the family restaurants i find myself going to more and more now with kids - reminded me of great lakes alchemy hour, which i am looking forward to seeing in a couple months.

 

I actually enjoyed REBEL IPA as well, like Lukenbrew says. Sometimes I don't want hops to slam me in the face, and I think it's a good take. I didn't care much for Lagunitas IPA, but I'll be sure to try the 'sucks' as I've seen it in the stores. I had the Rebel on tap and was thinking of picking up a six-pack even though I have never before enjoyed Samuel Adams, and actually had to drain-pour a SA Light from my friend's fridge (he told me he didn't give a damn because he only drinks Bud Light anyway LOL), and I grabbed one of his delicious Pilsner Urquells.

 

It doesnt make sense to get "offended" when competition in any marketplace tries to take your marketshare....thats business, right?

With that said, Boston Beer Co i just dont think is anywhere on the same level as Lagunitas. I think of them more towards marketing to the much larger group of people who just want to dip their toe in craft beer, rather than the smaller group that is analyzing flavors and respecting certain styles like we do in this forum.

 

I must of had a bad batch b/c the Rebel IPA I had went down the drain....Had a flat taste to it.

 

I find Sam Adams IPAs way to sweet for the style. They are trying to cater to the masses rather than create a beer that is true to its style and calling it a "West Coast" IPA is laughable.

 

This makes about as much sense as "Lagunitas Sucks v. Samuel Adams ______" [fill in the blank]

 

So, I just saw this, I didn't see anywhere in this that the "west coast" IPA was Lagunitas' claim to fame. Nor do they take credit for it at all. They rather tried to make their own interpretation on it to the best to their ability. That being said, there was mention that BBC or their reps were trying to take over Lagunitas' taps around their area. In my opinion, that's not right or cool. This type of behavior (if it's true) is uncalled for and very frowned upon. Also, if it really is true, I will never purchase any BBC product ever again.

 

Had Rebel on tap at O'Hare last week and was pleasantly surprised. Definitely planning to pick up a six pack soon.

 

I had a Rebel IPA last month, and thought it was rubbish. It tasted better than Jockamo, but still a sub standard IPA. It has nothing on Lagunitas.

 

As true as that is. Right now it's awesome to see that the 3 top rated IPAs, HT, PtY & PtE could charge double for their product and still sell the same, but don't. Especially in a day and age where unheard of and unproven new breweries are showing up on shelves charging $8+ for their 6-8% IPAs. Passion and quality still come before "the almighty dollar." With that comes my respect and loyalty for years and years to come.

 

Pot heads know hops better...and the appeal of very good IPAs. BB never has and never will get my business until they put out a mind blowing beer. Utopias aside... At least give BB credit for not being Rogue. Equal quality of product for the most part, but BB charges appropriately.

 

I picked some Rebel up today. The nose is very Sam Adams-ish. A bit thin and not hoppy enough to be a "west coast" IPA. I think they should have named it something else. It's not terrible, but probably not something I would buy again.