Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion IPA Review

Rating: 4.3/5

Firestone Walker’s Luponic Distortion IPA is a bit of a wild card, and that’s exactly what makes it fun. Each release in the Luponic Distortion series plays around with different hop profiles, bringing out unique flavors without actually adding any fruit to the brew. The result? A beer that feels fresh, innovative, and packed with flavor. If you’re into hop-forward IPAs that break away from the norm, this series is definitely something to explore. But like with any experiment, there are a few aspects that might not hit the mark for everyone.

First Impressions
Pouring Luponic Distortion gives you a light, hazy golden-yellow color with a frothy white head that sticks around, leaving some solid lacing on the glass. It’s got that inviting, tropical vibe you expect from a modern IPA, and it looks refreshingly light. The carbonation is pretty lively too, so you know it’s going to have a nice crispness.

Aroma
Right off the bat, you get a blast of tropical fruit and citrus. Think pineapple, mango, and a good dose of grapefruit. There’s also a hint of pine in the background, but the fruit really takes center stage here. The aroma is juicy and bright, setting the expectation that this IPA is going to be bursting with fruity flavors.

Taste
The first sip is packed with tropical and citrus flavors—pineapple, mango, a touch of peach, and some grapefruit. Despite all the fruity vibes, the cool thing about Luponic Distortion is that there’s no actual fruit added. All those flavors come straight from the hops, which makes it even more impressive. The beer’s bitterness is mild, making it smooth and easy to drink, especially for an IPA. It’s not overly sweet, though; it stays crisp with a clean, refreshing finish.

The hops here are the star of the show, but they don’t overwhelm you with bitterness. There’s a little bit of piney, resinous bitterness in the background, but overall, this IPA leans more toward the juicy side. If you’re a fan of juicy, tropical flavors but not into overly bitter IPAs, Luponic Distortion hits the sweet spot.

Negatives?
One of the only downsides is that while Luponic Distortion delivers on fruity, tropical notes, it doesn’t have much complexity beyond that. Some IPA fans might find it a bit one-dimensional, especially if they prefer more bitterness or layers of flavor. It’s definitely a refreshing beer, but if you’re looking for something with more depth, this might feel a little light.

Mouthfeel and Finish
The mouthfeel is light and crisp, with a nice level of carbonation that makes it super refreshing. There’s a slight resinous quality on the finish, but it’s not too lingering—just enough to remind you that it’s still an IPA. Overall, it’s smooth and easy to drink, perfect for warmer weather or as a go-to IPA when you don’t want something too heavy.

Positives

• Fantastic Fruity Flavor: The tropical and citrus notes in this beer are spot-on, with pineapple, mango, and grapefruit really shining through. It’s juicy and delicious without any actual fruit additions.
• Very Drinkable: With a lighter body and milder bitterness, Luponic Distortion is a great IPA for people who might shy away from the more aggressive, hop-heavy styles. It’s easygoing without being boring.
• Unique Hop Focus: Each release in the Luponic Distortion series changes up the hop profile, so you get a fresh, new experience every time. It’s a fun way to explore different hop flavors.

Negatives

• A Bit One-Dimensional: While the fruity flavors are great, some drinkers might find the beer a little straightforward. It’s juicy and refreshing, but if you prefer more complex, layered IPAs, this one might leave you wanting more.
• Might Be Too Light for Hardcore IPA Fans: If you’re into super bitter or resinous IPAs, Luponic Distortion’s softer approach might not hit the mark. It’s more of a “fruity and crisp” IPA than a bitter hop bomb.

Overall
Firestone Walker’s Luponic Distortion IPA is a refreshing and fruity take on the IPA style, offering bold tropical and citrus flavors without any added fruit. It’s a well-executed beer that delivers on drinkability, making it a great choice for those who enjoy lighter, juicier IPAs. While it might not have the depth or complexity that some IPA lovers crave, it’s a fun and flavorful option, especially for those who want a break from the bitterness-heavy IPAs.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm day or just want an IPA that goes down easy, Luponic Distortion is a solid pick. And with each new release bringing in fresh hop profiles, it’s always interesting to see what Firestone Walker has up their sleeve next.

If you’ve tried a Luponic Distortion, please let us know your thoughts about it in the comments section below.