I did have a grill out today, but it was at a Forest Preserve where no alcohol is allowed, and besides I was with my family. I got to use the portable grill they got me for Father’s Day to char some hot dogs and make s’mores. Everybody happy, and I am popping another beer that has been sent to me for comment. If I can make my goal of a third beer in this extended weekend tomorrow, I’ll have finally cleared my slate and might get to do some local beers I actually paid for. But then, these more nationally known brewers do bring in clicks.
Continuing in my anniversary theme that started yesterday with Shiner 107th Birthday Beer, I bring up Lagunitas Lucky 13. The boys from Petaluma issued this “Mondo Large Red Ale” in 2006, commemorating not only their 13th year in business, but their first year with a profit. It returns now and again as a Limited Release, like so many of the brews they planned as a one-time only thing. Although some variations like a blonde steam beer version, or an all-Simcoe version have also popped up. So, this is the 10yh anniversary of their 13th anniversary beer.
Anyway, this pops open with the particular scent of a red ale: caramel roast malts and a general “red”-ness. A stiff foam head releases the scent of Pacific Northwestern hops; lots of pine needles and some resin. I’ve been dinged for my pictures of pours with way too much foam in the glass, like this one, but it helps bring out the smell of the hops while I’m fiddling around with the photo and getting it uploaded. Anyway, that foam settles down to leave plenty of chunky legs around the side of the glass.
From the first taste, I’m put on notice that this is a nearly “Imperial” type beer—8.8% abv— and the alcohol is right up front. But it’s accompanied by that sweet roasty malt. The whole of my mouth carries the sticky residue: lips, tongue, and palate, keeping the taste of malt and piney hops around. Yet the finish does not seem as filling as some other high-octane beers.
This is one of the beers to keep on hand for after grilling wienies; in fact, well after any cooking flames have been extinguished. And it’s good to have while watching fireworks from a safe distance away, and never while operating fireworks. Remember, among the famous last words most repeated on July 4 is “Hey, hold my beer and watch this!”
