Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale
Damn! I just read the side of the label and I can’t help but think whoever wrote it is on some serious drugs. Incidentally, this probably is closer to the truth than I realized. I read a press release about the 2005 St. Patrick Day Massacre and the 20-day suspension referenced on the front of the bottle and apparently the folks at the Lagunitas Brewing Co. were hosting large parties, or rather “tasting”, and it just so happened there was a lot of dope smoking involved. The former was in violation of local laws and of course the latter, is seen by some (not myself) to be a national crime. I don’t smoke the reefer but come on, it doesn’t hurt anyone and we have much bigger fish to fry than busting someone for lighting up a joint or 2. It doesn’t impair judgment any more than alcohol and before someone posts crap about it being a “gateway” drug don’t waste your time because that’s ridiculous and quite frankly I don’t want to hear it. Anyway, undercover agents eventually busted Lagunitas and thus their punishment was a 20-day suspension. So Magee chose to express his disdain for the authorities by creating this beer commemorating the aforementioned events and openly mocking them for bringing an end to such a heinous drug cartel…
Before I even poured it in the glass my nose was filled with an intense hop aroma. I already know I am going to love this beer! It has a very clean appearance, no debris or haze to distort its copper color. The head of the first pour is extremely thick but much more mellow when I top it off with the rest of the beer in the bottle. Again the smell is very hoppy. It has an “in your face” characteristic that I assume is meant to represent Magee’s message to his adversaries. The hop flavor is a bit milder than the smell but it’s still apparent and at the forefront of the taste. The hoppiness surrounds the tongue and immediately rushes to the roof of the mouth. It settles there and creates the husky, metallic mouthfeel that I love so much with big, hoppy beers. There is a mild sweetness mixed with a grapefruit sourness but they play second, maybe even third fiddle to the luscious hops. Despite the intense flavor, this beer is quite smooth and very drinkable; even to someone that doesn’t particularly care for this brewing style. You can’t even tell that this beer weighs in at 9.28%! This is an absolutely delightful beer and I’m glad I picked it up. Who knew anger, loathing and mockery could create something this wonderful?
Funny, I was drinking one of these last night, too. Didn’t know the backstory–now it seems all that more delicious!
I had this beer a few weeks back and didn’t know what to think about it. After reading your review I decided to pick it up again and give it another shot. Definitely has a great hop aroma and taste. I find the bitterness a little strange in the beer however. I know it should be bitter from the hops, but there is something about that bitterness that is just “off” for me. I would still suggest people try the beer out however.
Two words…. “MMMM MMMMM” – I really enjoyed this beer. I agree that there is an unusual tanginess to the hop taste in this beer, and it’s a strange combination to be sure. But, I kept reaching for more. Quite a tasty beer, and towards the top of the heap when compared to other beers I’ve enjoyed from Lagunitas.