Name: Lagunitas: Undercover Shut Down Ale
Brewed In: Petaluma, CA
Type / ABV: Double IPA / 9.28%
Bought at/Price: Binny's / $4.99 22oz bomber
Dennis: Say what you will about the situations that spurred this beers creation, at least something positive has come out of it. As a double IPA this beer manages to dodge a common trap that some others fall into of simply just increasing the hops and alcohol. The smell will fool you into thinking there isn't much here, but one sip of this and you'll know that you probably should take your time. One of the best things about this isn't the hops, but rather the malts that really keep them in check and let them shine on the exhale. Together they make a balanced beer that can be enjoyed, as opposed to a showy flashy one that has not substance.
Jen: The reasoning behind making this beer is quite hilarious, I just wished it was a little bit better. It has an aroma of nice floral hops with a mild malt sweetness. The first swig mostly consists of hops with an alcohol punch to it. After sitting for a while, it warmed up and the flavors balanced out. It starts with bursting hop flavors, followed by a mild sweet malt backbone, ending with a twinge of alcohol. It seems quit balanced, but almost humdrum. Easy to drink, and you will finish before you know it!
Rating: F