Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company (Chicago, Illinois)
Style: Session IPA
ABV: 4.0%
IBU: 31
Overview
Lagunitas Brewing Company, known for its bold, hop-forward beers, has long been a staple of the West Coast craft beer scene. Their DayTime IPA is designed for those who love a hop punch without the weight of higher alcohol brews. As a session IPA, it promises big flavor with a light, easy-drinking profile…perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
Appearance – 4.5/5
DayTime IPA pours a clear, golden straw color with a frothy, white head that lingers nicely. Carbonation is lively, keeping the beer visually appealing from start to finish. It looks crisp and refreshing, just as a session IPA should.
Aroma – 4/5
The aroma is bright and citrusy, dominated by notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and pine. There’s a subtle tropical fruit character, likely from the modern hop blend, with hints of melon and passion fruit. A touch of bready malt lingers in the background, keeping things balanced.
Taste – 4/5
As expected, DayTime IPA leans heavily on the hops, offering a citrus-forward profile with notes of grapefruit, lime, and a hint of floral bitterness. The malt backbone is light and crisp, providing just enough support without overpowering the hops. The bitterness is moderate, making it approachable for both hop lovers and casual drinkers. The finish is dry and clean.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
This beer is light-bodied and refreshingly crisp, with moderate carbonation that enhances its drinkability. It feels almost lager-like, making it an excellent choice for warm weather or extended drinking sessions. Despite its lower ABV, it doesn’t come across as thin or watery…a testament to its well crafted balance.
Drinkability & Overall Impression – 4.2/5
DayTime IPA delivers exactly what it promises. It has big hop character in a low alcohol package. It’s a great option for those who want a hoppy beer but need to keep things light. While it doesn’t have the depth or complexity of a full-bodied IPA, it excels in what it sets out to do…being an ultra-refreshing, flavorful, and highly drinkable beer.
Final Verdict
Appearance: 4.5/5
Aroma: 4/5
Taste: 4/5
Mouthfeel: 4/5
Drinkability: 4.2/5
Overall Score: 4.2/5
Lagunitas DayTime IPA is a standout session IPA, proving that lower alcohol beers can still be full of character. It’s crisp, flavorful, and a fantastic choice for hop fans looking for something lighter. If you enjoy West Coast style IPAs but want a beer you can enjoy for hours, this one is a solid pick.
If you’ve tried a DayTime IPA, please let us know what you thought about it below.
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