Lagunitas Brewing Company, (Chicago, Illinois), known for its bold and innovative approach to craft beer, has once again pushed boundaries with its Beast of Both Worlds IPA. This limited release offering is a hybrid of West Coast and East Coast IPA styles, aiming to bridge the gap between the crisp, hop-forward bitterness of the former and the juicy, hazy smoothness of the latter. The result is a “Bi-Coastal IPA” that attempts to please fans of both camps, but does it succeed?
Appearance
Poured into a glass, the Beast of Both Worlds IPA presents a slightly hazy golden-amber hue, leaning more toward the West Coast clarity but with a subtle nod to the haziness of its East Coast counterpart. A frothy, off-white head forms and lingers, leaving behind delicate lacing as it recedes. It’s an inviting visual that hints at the balance the beer strives to achieve.
Aroma
The nose is a lively mix of citrus and pine, with grapefruit and orange zest taking the lead. There’s a touch of tropical fruit, such as mango and pineapple, that adds a layer of juiciness, but it’s restrained compared to many hazy IPAs. A faint biscuity malt backbone peeks through, grounding the aroma and preventing it from becoming overly sweet or one dimensional.
Flavor
On the palate, this beer delivers a complex interplay of flavors. The initial sip brings a burst of citrusy hops, with grapefruit and lemon leading the charge, followed by a subtle resinous pine note. Mid-palate, the malt profile emerges, offering a light caramel sweetness and a touch of breadiness. The finish is where the beer truly lives up to its name! It’s dry and bitter in the West Coast tradition, but with a soft, slightly creamy mouthfeel that nods to the East Coast style. The balance is impressive, though it may not fully satisfy purists on either side of the IPA spectrum.
Mouthfeel
Medium bodied with moderate carbonation, the mouthfeel is smooth and approachable. It’s not as pillowy as a classic hazy IPA, nor as crisp and sharp as a traditional West Coast IPA, but it strikes a middle ground that works well for what it aims to be. The bitterness lingers just long enough to remind you of its West Coast roots without overwhelming the palate.
Overall Impression
This 8% ABV brew is double dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops, delivering a fruity aroma and a smooth finish. The Beast of Both Worlds IPA is a fascinating experiment from Lagunitas, a brewery that has never shied away from taking risks. While it may not fully capture the essence of either style, it’s a commendable effort that showcases the best of both worlds in a single brew. It’s a beer that invites conversation and could serve as a gateway for those new to either style. That said, hardcore fans of West Coast or hazy IPAs might find it a bit too balanced, lacking the extremes they love.
Ratings
- Appearance – 8/10
- Aroma – 8/10
- Flavor – 7.5/10
- Mouthfeel – 7/10
- Overall – 7.5/10
Final Thoughts
Lagunitas has always been a brewery that marches to the beat of its own drum, and Beast of Both Worlds IPA is no exception. It’s a beer that dares to blend two iconic styles, and while it may not be perfect, it’s a refreshing and enjoyable take on the IPA genre. If you’re a fan of Lagunitas’ adventurous spirit or simply curious about how these two styles can coexist, this beer is worth seeking out. Just remember, sometimes trying to obtain the best of both worlds leads to compromises that gives you neither.
If you’ve tried Lagunitas Beast of Both Worlds, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments section below.
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