Lagunitas Sneak Release Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale - Lagunitas Brewing Company

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A – Poured a very hazy and cloudy brownish amber. This was almost a spiced pumpkin pie type of color, with a nice two inch plus head of sticky and foamy lace on the top. The head gradually faded and left behind nothing more then a half inch layer of lace across the top, but the side glass lace on this one was extraordinary. A full on blanket of it coating the entire side of the glass. Just really a tremendous amount of sticky lace that refused to go anywhere. The was some carbonation that was visible along with it, streaming up from the bottom. A good look overall and a nice looking glass when it was done.



S – Aroma was not as hoppy as the finished version. Not to say that there was not a lot of hope nose to it, as trust me there was more then an adequate amount of pine resin and citric hops in the nose, however there was a noticeable amount of spice to the smell as well. A good amount of cinnamon and almost a maple sugar type aroma was mixed in as well. Very sweet and combined with a nice grassy and earthy type aroma, it made this come off extremely balanced. I thought that compared to the final release this was much sweeter and spicier, especially in the aroma. Made for a nice change and gave it the impression of being more then just a hop bomb.



T – The flavor again came off to me very different then the final release, which I actually was able to try first. This was much more reliant on the balance of the sugary malts then on being just a hop explosion. There was a good amount of piney hops to it, however it was balanced very very well. Lots of sugar and spice mixed in wonderfully and left a great aftertaste. It was remarkable how balanced it actually was. You could not tell which was winning out, but what was really evident was the amount of spice in it. Lots of cinnamon was detected and this really had a very sweet taste to it. No hint of the ABV at all, I mean none at all. It could have been 2% for all I knew, really blended and covered up well. Quite impressed with this one so far, seems to be a winner.



M – The feel here to be honest is a little tricky. I actually have to admit that it did come off a little bit thin. Now not that bad that I would say it was a mark off, but it did not feel as full as I would have expected based on how big the flavors were. I think this may have been partly due to the lack of carbonation once you got to the second glass. It was however very sticky. Extremely so and you lips were literally sticking to your teeth with every sip. Still very nice overall, just thought it could have come off a tad bit fuller.



D – Superb, in a word that would some it up. It was so well balanced and blended that I could have just kept going with this one. I never really felt the abv sneak up, or really at all. And it was not soo heavy that you had to make it a sipper. This was almost sessionable it was soo smooth. I really was surprised by this and that is probably why it went down so quickly. A very solid drinker here.



Overall this was really great. The most shocking thing by far was how much it actually differed from the official release. They were definitely two distinct brews, but were close enough that you could tell there was the same overall idea behind them. It was a pleasure to have both, and hard to tell which one was better, but this was really a fine brew and I was very happy to be able to try it. Would have to say that I would definitely recommend this to anyone if they see it.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2007 00:18:00 | More by mikesgroove

oberon

North Carolina

3.8/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Man I love the labels of the Lagunitas line of beers,this new Sneak Release pours a deep rich bronze with a pillowy 1 1/2 finger slight off white head that settles slowly almost into a creamy-like mass.At first sharp grapefruit and fresh cut grass hop aromas but they do fade quickly losing a bit of their punch but still very nice.I have to say the hops dont pack as much punch on the palate obviously there is quite a punch but not as much to be expected,somewhat dry and resiny up front with a real piney presence a sweetish caramel malt base shows itself in the finish as well the hops do linger a bit.Not as bitter as the label might suggest but still a solid brew from one of my favorite brewers,keep up the good work guys.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2007 22:02:33 | More by oberon

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

"Sneak Release", Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, Petaluma, CA

Pure orange color, lovely, slim off-white head.

Grapefruit aroma, with plenty of other citric association. Lemon and orange, a dash of spice, with verve and zest as well.

A behemoth of bitterness boards the palate. A little slick and sweet, before being pummeled by bitter hops again. Stays long in the mouth, lip-smacking while puckering and challenging at once. Like drinking liquified orange-flavored aspirin.

That means, "I like it."

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2008 09:13:55 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

4.1/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours a dark amber/brown color with a thick frothy offwhite head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is great. It has a warm malty scent that boasts of crystal and roasted malts along with a kick ass hop aroma. It's bitter, but backed up with a solid malt bill. The taste is good. It is intensely bitter with a roasted malt element. It goes down easy and finishes warm and hoppy. It has a wonderful mix of crystal and roasted malts. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a good drinking beer. It's a hop monster for sure, but it has enough malt character to keep it interesting.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2007 01:13:31 | More by WesWes

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22oz bottle into an imperial pint glass.

A: The beer is a dark reddish amber color, with a large off-white head that fades very slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of hops, caramelized malts, brown sugar and some citrus.

T: The taste is very well-balanced with strong flavors of floral hops bitterness and caramel & citrus sweetness blending together nicely. There's a slight alcohol burn and a hearty malt character. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, slightly sticky finish.

D: Tasty, goes down easy, not too filling, strong kick, good representation of style, I like this better than the original release, but it's still not as good as Maximus. However, overall, this is a good beer that is worth drinking for a while.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2008 03:45:35 | More by TheManiacalOne

Gavage

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: clear amber in color with a 1" head that lasts quite a while. Nice lacing develops during the session.

Smell: caramel, bread, and a strong hop bitterness is pleasant on the nose.

Taste: big caramel base here with some light breadiness. Pine, grapefruits, and a hint of fruit sweetness rounds it out. Alcohol is mildly noticable.

Mouthfeel: lightly crisp at the start, smooth towards the finish. Long aftertaste as the bitterness is at the forefront. Medium to almost a heavy bodied beer.

Drinkability: kind of a slow sipping beer here as the alcohol is high and the bitterness is bold. Definitely worth giving this a shot.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2007 16:32:52 | More by Gavage

jwc215

New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes from September, '07 that were lost and recently found:

Pours copper amber with a head that slowly becomes a lasting patch. Some lacing sticks. Nice retention for abv.

The smell is of aromatic citric/piney/resiny hops. Great hop profile!

The taste is of citric/piney/resiny hops with a firm sweet malt backbone that gives it a nice balance to the bitterness. The hop flavor stands out without the lingering bitterness, and without completely covering the maltiness. Alcohol reasonably (to say the least) well-covered.

The body is medium - approaching full. Smooth despite alcohol.

A delicious brew that is hoppy, yet well-balanced. A nicely done, drinkable DIPA.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2008 12:37:24 | More by jwc215

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Double IPA huh? My first thoughts were that it was a lighter barley with a touch of cocoa. It actually appears a bit like a dark amber, and the malts are sweet and fruity, and like I said, there's a touch of chocolate flavor. The hops didn't seem that big, citrus and peppery, but not nearly as big as Great Divide's Hercules DIPA. For a DIPA, it leaves hops to be desired, for a strong ale, it's pretty cool.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2007 02:43:13 | More by tempest

Billolick

New York

3.9/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Only $3.79 for a bomber @ Cable Beverage in Bardonia, NY (this place consistently has the goods)
Pours darker amber, pretty clear, typical darker tan head, leaves real nice striated lacing.
Grainy hop nose, leads to the expected and appreciated quite hoppy nectar. Grainy and resiny hop notes and I get a hint of mint. Pleasant enough, not in the ranks of the world class DIPAs but at that price, its a bargain.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2008 13:49:49 | More by Billolick

mdfb79

New York

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had at a DC tasting thanks to nimbleprop. Bottle from 07-08.

a - Pours a murky amber brown color with one inch of white head and low carbonation evident.

s - Smells of caramel malts, sweet fruit, bready malts.

t - Tastes of caramel malts, fruity malts, sugar, and a hint of alcohol, but not much.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation.

d - I thought this was a really nice beer that was more like a barlewine to me. It's held up really well and I would love to try again.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2010 23:45:25 | More by mdfb79

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle purchased as a single from Julio's, Marlboro, MA.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1" beige head over the clear coppery amber brew. Head lasts well, with tons of sticky lace froth. Aroma is fresh citrusy hops with twinges of pine as well. Taste is ample maltiness to start, which is quickly balanced and overpowered a bit by the dominant hops flavor. Particularly the pine lingers, and there is warming after toughts as well. Mouthfeel is a bit prickly due to the strength of hops character, but this one remains plenty drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2007 18:20:05 | More by ppoitras

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Hazy scarlet red appearance. Thin dirty white head. Lace is weblike and quite intricate. Aroma is of juicy, plump hop nuances as well as thick caramel malt tones. First sip contains alcohol, biting hops and big caramel malt. The alcohol smooths out as it warms and the juicy hop flavor come out more. The bitterness is just right for a DIPA. This is very nicely balanced for a DIPA. But hops and bitterness still rule. Medium full body and moderately carbonated. This one's going down too damn fast. What a steal for 3.99 a bomber.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2007 04:15:13 | More by Bighuge

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4.2/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A dark yellow to light orange color, a little ruby highlight to it, good stuff, Lagunitas always looks the role. Big hoppy aroma, standard fare.

Big beer, much like Sumpin Sumpin, but whereas that had wheat, this is just barley with gobs of caramel. The hopping is big and grapefruity, the typical job by Lagunitas. If you're a fan of Arrogant Bastard Ale, this beer should do the trick for you, and its just a tad cheaper.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2010 16:20:43 | More by Beerandraiderfan

glid02

Georgia

4.2/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on-tap at the Brick Store in Atlanta.

Pours a clear light copper color with a one-finger off-white head. The head recedes into a thin pancake on top leaving solid lacing.

Smells of citrus and pine hop aromas with hints of creamy pale malt.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Robust pale malt flavors up front are joined shortly by mild citrus and solid pine flavors. Midway through the sip there's a mild vanilla flavor, though with more of a creaminess than most vanilla flavors from oak flavors. The ending is mildly bitter.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a solid thickness with moderate carbonation.

Drinkability is good. I finished the glass easily and could have a few more.

Overall this is another solid offering from Lagunitas. Slowly but surely they're becoming a smaller Sierra Nevada, with many hoppy offerings that never disappoint. This one is worth a shot.

Serving type: on-tap

06-06-2009 02:06:08 | More by glid02

Gusler

Arizona

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Well, if the length of the name has anything to do with the beer, it should be great? lol

The beer makes good its escape from the 22 ounce bottle a cloudless burnished copper, the head perfection, the color light tan and the texture creamy, upon its inevitable demise, the lace forms a thick glutinous sheet to obfuscate the glass. Nose is chockablock with the hop flowery aroma, sweet malt supports the hops, hints of caramel, appetizing, nay mouth watering I say. Start has a pleasant malt profile, sweet with a definite hop spicy bitterness at the back, top is middling to full in its feel to the palate. Finish continues the big hop spicy bite, the acidity customary, the aftertaste dry as a bleached desert bone, my oh my if this ain’t a great beer, then I’m a teetotaler, and we know that ain’t so. lol

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2007 21:12:51 | More by Gusler

beerthulhu

New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured a deep, rich caramel-amber color with moderate off tan head that left a sticky lacing and lasted well into the drink.

S: hoppy with dried grapefruit and pine along with dried caramel.

T: dried grapefruit, pine, and a deed dry caramel flavor. There was a lingering grassiness as well. Was not as hoppy as one expected per style and drank more like a moderate ipa at best.

M: a tad thin with a light creaminess with a strong carbonation and finishes dry.

D: The abv was fairly well hidden making this a moderate drinking dipa. Liked it, but to closely resembled their other beers to truly stand out by itself and be different.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2008 22:41:05 | More by beerthulhu

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.28/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours dark copper with good lacing and a wispy head that fades somewhat quickly. No big deal given the abv. The smell is alcoholic and warming with sweet malt and notes of cinammon. The taste is hoppy throughout with piney hops, spiciness, and sweet malt. Big, bold, and balanced sweetness and hoppiness. The mouthfeel is big and creamy, and overall this is just a delight to drink. This beer and Kill Ugly Radio have both jusst been homeruns for this brewery if you ask me.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2007 19:47:56 | More by Georgiabeer

mactrail

California

3.9/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Another big malt wonder from Lagunitas. Style? we don't need no stinking style. Warm amber color, lots of champagne bubbles in the chalice. Hops galore. Nose of sweet vermouth, leather. Really hot. Long rich malt flavor is the structure with the zingy hops and spicy hops on top. A favorite late night sipping beer for a long time.

This 12 oz must be a couple years old. I remember it was even better, but time to finish off the last one. Reading the label, not making this up, it says Alc. 9.87 by vol.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2011 04:33:25 | More by mactrail

Cyberkedi

Georgia

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Comes out of the tap a dark translucent golden amber with a thick, pale tan, fine-bubbled head that persists. Strong aroma is surprisingly hoppy with an evergreen undertone and just a hint of apple. Lively flavor is hoppy, slightly malty, slightly fruity and just a teeny bit bitter. Strongly fizzy texture leaves behind a pleasant tingle.

Serving type: on-tap

05-31-2010 00:06:01 | More by Cyberkedi

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale poured on-tap into a snifter. A nice mahogony with ruby highlights, this beer looks decent some lace is noticed.

Aroma is strongly malty, fruity and just a hint of hops.

Bitter grapefruit up front, with notes of pine. Resinous and earthy hop oils. Big time chewey malt flavor, dialing in caramel like sweetness but some dark fruit pits are also there. Hint of peat and slight astringency.

Mouthfeel is full bodied and a bit chewey as noted earlier. Strangely watery finish.

All in all, a good DIPA with a surprising bit of balance. Complex enough for contemplation. A sipper for sure, and strong as can be. Good though.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2009 16:53:49 | More by Stinkypuss

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clean orange-ish to copper color, with a small off white head. In the aroma, a mellow grapefruity hop. In the taste, grapefruity hops and a smooth maltiness. A smooth, medium bodied mouthfeel, with a dry, grapefruity hop aftertaste. Nice big hops, and bit malty, and hides the ABV well. I can dig it!

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2010 15:12:35 | More by OWSLEY069

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a pint glass. The beer was crystal clear, dark copper color, thick white foam. The aroma was hoppy, actually it was just as I expected it to be (I like all the hoppy Lagunitas beers). The flavor was mostly malty as well, biting and citrus-like, very bitter in a good way. There was a significant malt base underneath the astringence, making a pleasing counterweight of sweet beneath the burn.

For $3.99 per 22oz bottle, you can't go wrong with Lagunitas.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2007 21:29:07 | More by TurdFurgison

nickfl

Florida

4.13/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours with a 3 finger creamy tan head that takes a while to settle down and leaves dense lace. The beer itself is a deep reddish-brown color with good clarity.

S - Resiny, piney hop aroma wiht notes of citrus and slight floral character.

T - Malty, with a nice roasted flavor that is followed up by strong hop flavors and big bitterness that drives the finish but isn't unpleasantly excessive as in some highly hopped beers.

M - Smooth, fairly heavy body and high carbonation.

D - This is a very enjoyable beer. I am always wary of hop-centric beers from the west coast, but this one is pleasant and well balanced. I also have to say that this may be one of the best uses of high alpha hops for flavor and aroma that I have experianced.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2007 05:57:33 | More by nickfl

tpd975

Florida

4.13/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Since Lagunitas came to Florida I have been pounding their brews one after another. What you get is great taste for four dollar a bomber.

A: Pours a nice bronze color that almost looks like an amber ale. There is a huge rocky head that puffs up nicely and hangs around for sometime. What is left makes layer after layer of lacing, some of the best I have ever seen.

S: Resiny pine. pine needles, pine cones, pine sap, pine sol. No matter how you say it the aroma is pure pine.

T: As soon as this one passes your tongue you are hit with a subtle citrus taste which is quickly overrun by a nice strong piney bitterness. The bitterness fades and is then overtaken by a wonderful caramel malty sweetness.

M: Full bodied and pretty thick.

D: Nice brew. Of course because of the 9.28 ABV you may want to pass on that second bomber.

Overall: Another great beer by Lagunitas. For $4 a bomber their beers can not be beat. I spent the day relaxing at the beach and upon coming back inside the beach house I popped this one open. It was so smooth and refreshing, I think I may now lay down and take a nap. I'm gonna throw a Maximus in the fridge, it would be perfect this evening while enjoying one of west coast Florida's most beautiful sunsets from a chaise lounger on Longboat Key. If I'm not unconscious by then I may just be inclined to drink their newest release Kill Ugly Radio, as I think about my wonderful day, and what else lies ahead during my holiday / birthday weekend at the beach.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2007 18:37:10 | More by tpd975

FosterJM

California

3.68/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

618th Review on BA
Bottle to Tulip
12oz

App- Very amber brown with a two finger head. Dots of cling and thats about it.

Smell- Similar to a lot of beers lately. Big malt profile with a damp citrus. A bit one sided.

Taste- Again one sided with the malt taking over. Damp citrus takes a back seat. Its okay but as excited as everyone gets this seems run of the mill.

Mouth- Medium bodied and medium carbonated. A bit thick but pretty good.

Drink- Well its okay but could better. Hype train is big on this one. Glad I got a 12 oz but would be very dissapointed in a 22 oz.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2011 21:46:30 | More by FosterJM