Lagunitas is definitely a brewery that knows how to make a good IPA. Their IPAs are known for being hop-forward and packed with flavor. In my opinion, Lagunitas IPA is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys hoppy beers.
One thing that stands out about Lagunitas IPA is its hop profile. The hops used in this beer are decidedly American, with citrus and pine notes at the forefront. The citrus flavors are bright and vibrant, with hints of grapefruit and orange. The pine notes add a nice resinous quality to the beer, giving it a bit of a bite.
The bitterness in Lagunitas IPA is appropriate for the style. It's definitely a hop-forward beer, but it doesn't cross into the realm of being overly bitter. The bitterness is well-balanced with the citrus and pine flavors, creating a harmonious flavor profile. That being said, if you're not a fan of bitterness, this might not be the beer for you.
One area where Lagunitas IPA could improve is in its malt character. While the hops are front and center, the malt backbone of the beer could be a bit more pronounced. A touch more malt sweetness would help to balance out the bitterness and add some complexity to the flavor profile. However, this is more of a personal preference and doesn't necessarily detract from the overall enjoyment of the beer.
In terms of complexity, Lagunitas IPA is a bit more straightforward compared to some other IPAs on the market. It doesn't have the layers of flavor and nuanced aromas that you might find in more experimental or unique IPAs. However, that doesn't mean it's any less tasty. Sometimes, simplicity is a good thing, and Lagunitas IPA delivers on that front.
Lagunitas IPA is a solid choice for IPA lovers. It's a wonderfully hoppy beer that showcases the American hops with citrus and pine flavors. The bitterness is appropriate, although a touch more malt character would be welcomed. While it may not have the complexity of some other IPAs, it's still a very tasty beer that is sure to please hop enthusiasts.