Name: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Location: Petaluma, CA and Chicago, IL
Website: http://lagunitas.com/
Type: Production brewery
Available in DC Market: Yes
What you need to know: Lagunitas is a well-known top 10 craft brewery in the United States. Most well-known for their IPA, they also have a bevy of other hoppy styles as well as a very tasty Capuccino Stout. Their founder, Tony Magee, is quite a character and firebrand and often stirs up discussion via his Twitter account. Our co-editor, Chris Van Orden, was out at the brewery in Petaluma this year to brew Fusion 19 for their Couch Trippin' tour. They recently expanded into a second production location in Chicago, IL. Going by the motto, "Life is uncertain, don't sip," they certainly make a splash with their beers. Local beer rep Bernie Van Order is a #dcbrews mainstay, so be sure to say hi to him if you see him out this week!
Beer #1: Daytime (India pale ale / 4.65%)
In Their Own Words: "Sometimes you want a beer, then you realize how much crap you need to do before you call it a day. This is it. Nicely dosed with Big, Round Hop Flavors and a Toasty Malt Foundation to satisfy your every need. But it still lets you stay in the game to do what needs to be done. Yup."
Food Pairing: Fava Bean with English Pea and Porcini Crostini (A rustic puree of fava beans and English peas, served on toasted baguette and dusted with porcini mushroom powder.)
Our Thoughts: Daytime is one of the better session IPAs out there. Huge citrus note, with just a touch of cracker in the malt bill. The hops may be a bit much for the pairing here, but the earthiness of the mushroom may stand up.
Beer #2: Sucks (American strong ale / 7.85%)
In Their Own Words: "Originally brewed in 2011 as a Brown Shugga’ substitute, due to construction-induced capacity issues. But we liked it so much it had to make a return trip."
Food Pairing: Charred Masala Cauliflower with Dates (Cauliflower florets seasoned with masala and charred. Served with dates and Greek yogurt.)
Our Thoughts: This is quite a name for a beer. I have to say it definitely confuses folks who don't know the backstory. And even some of us who do. This is a beer that tastes stronger than it actually is, even at nearly 8%. A rich, malty backbone gives way to sticky pine and grapefruit notes in a big white head. The pairing here will work wonderfully with the spice and chair dancing with the malt backbone, the dates providing a dark fruit counterbalance to the bright fruit of the hops, and the yogurt to provide some variation in mouthfeel.
This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2014 SAVOR participants.
