I love Lagunitas’ beers. One of my most memorable craft beer epiphanies was tasting Hop Stoopid for the first time and being one of only two people at the tasting who liked it. Actually “liked” is not a good way to describe it; I did cartwheels over it, angels chorused and I think I almost cried. It was the moment I realized I was indeed a Hophead.

I haven’t been disappointed with one of their beers since, and Lil Sumpin’ Wild was definitely no exception!

Lil’ Sumpin Wild is the sister beer to Lil Sumpin’ Ale, which is a Pale Wheat Ale. This one uses a Westmalle yeast strain, which upped the ABV a little and gave it some really interesting estery characteristics; now a Belgian Strong Pale Ale.

It pours an extremely clear amber-yellow colour, with a good sized thick off-white head which sticks realtively well to the glass as I drink it. I was really surprised at the clarity! Most wheat based beers struggle with at least a little haze, but you can see right through this.

The nose is filled with some seriously juicy aromas; tropical fruits (mainly banana and pineapple), bubble gum and a little clove. I think the tropical fruits are partially coming from the hops and partially from the Westmalle yeast. I wasn’t able to confirm exactly what hops were used, but given the fruity, American hop characteristics, I would hazard a guess that it was Amarillo or Citra (or both). Delicious, whatever they are! I also yes some citrus oils on the nose, mandarin or tangerine? Yum.

Tastes nice and fruity-sweet up front with those bubble-gummy flavours playing off the tropical fruits.  The citrusy and ever-so-slightly piney hops come through next, wiping most of the sweetness away. Finishes a little dry, but the touch of sweetness that is left balances it out really well. The 8.85% ABV is barely noticable, making this an incredibly drinkable beer; probably dangerously so!

It’s nice and light in body, and has a medium carbonation. I could seriously drink this beer all day…well at least a few pints before I fell asleep, not having realized the ABV’s on it

Lagunitas, you’ve hit another one out of the park with this beer; I am seriously considering bestowing upon you the greatest honor a homebrewer can give – brewing up a clone batch of this at home! Thanks!!