A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale - Lagunitas Brewing Company

arepwhotravels

Michigan

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is a wheat beer? Wow! It has a Krystal wheat beer appearance and displays the essences of part wheat beer/part harvest ale/part super hero. Sumpin' tastes like fresh hops were used in the making, kind of like a Sumpin' Sauvignon Blanc on Acid.

Lagunitas' seasonal offering reflects genuine ingenuity, style and a touch of madness. I don't understand how you could classify Sumpin' as an American Pale Wheat Ale because Sumpin' positions itself in a category of it's own (come on, Oberon and this are light years apart). I don’t often review many beers unless they deserve it and I can't wait to try A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' on Tap, which I know should be very soon.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2009 22:48:17 | More by arepwhotravels

SiggyFay

Maryland

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

One time a year for it's release is too long to wait. I need my little sumpin' sumpin' fix. Great Beer! Good balance of hops and malt. Alcohol Content is perfect to make this a "heavy" session beer. Looking forward to summer to see this pretty lady again.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2010 17:49:47 | More by SiggyFay

UCFDan

Florida

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I purchased this beer originally at World of Beer near UCF and then found it in Orlando at Total Wine & More. Of any Wheat Ale I've tasted, nothing else compares to Lagunitas Lil Sumpin Sumpin.

Smell - Significant citrus aroma, I actually smell pineapple and grapefruit.

Taste - Defintely higher in hops than most wheat ales. Could almost be interpreted as an IPA. I'm a big fan of IPA's though and the citrus mixes well with the hops. A slight carbonation helps as well.

Finish - Very smooth to drink, due to the citrus flavoring. You wouldn't believe this is a 7%+ ABV drink. Definitely cannot taste the extra alcohol.

If you haven't had this beer yet, put it on your list. It is by far the best offering by Lagunitas and has had me coming back for more.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2011 03:23:32 | More by UCFDan

HopHeadRyan

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Little Sumpin Sumpin - Lagunitas -

One of my favorite beers…

A - Slightly hazy yellow…like a cloudy pilsner…Nice head…and great lacing!

S - Delicious mouthwatering hop aromas…Flowers, pineapple, lemon zest, a bit of pine…a really great and unique hop aroma!!

T - Juicy citrus hop flavors, very nice bitterness that does linger but makes you want more! Very well balanced…crisp and refreshing! More impressive than many IPAs i've had…realize its a pale wheat...its really an India Wheat Ale : )

M - Dry…creamy but crisp…very nice

Overall - A world-class Ale…the best of the best…grab up as much of this stuff as you can (if its fresh) you won't regret it…particularly if you are a hop fanatic like me…

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 20:27:08 | More by HopHeadRyan

notalagerlugger

Indiana

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I had it first on tap and loved, even non craft beer drinkers liked it. It is what gumball head wants to be when it grows up. It is like a wheat IPA with great aroma. It is best when fresh so if you buy it drink it. It loses its fruity aroma and flavor as it ages. try to buy fresh shipments and you will have a new favorite beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 20:02:58 | More by notalagerlugger

drh20s

Georgia

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I am trying hard to find a better IPA and have been unsuccessful for almost a year. I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... I like... But don't think I'm biased!

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 03:37:22 | More by drh20s

Bernardkowalski

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Absolutely one of my favorite beers!! honestly can go good with anything, but you are better off enjoying this beer by itself. it has so much too offer, such great combination between the yeast and malt's making this an outstanding brew. you can put this on my list of top beers.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2013 00:55:13 | More by Bernardkowalski

Sdesenberg

Michigan

4.98/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This stuff is great beer. Pours a dark straw with only a finger of thick, sticky, bright white head despite being poured straight down the center of a pint glass. Tons of cling as the head settles, really good lacing. All this is nice, but the smell and flavor are truly spot on. Extremely well balanced between malt and citrus hop flavor. This beer is like Bell's Hopslam's older, smoother, more sophisticated brother. Exceptional beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2012 01:44:52 | More by Sdesenberg

threeviews

New Jersey

4.98/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 12oz bottle (March 7, 2012) into a 14oz Libbey snifter.

A- Pours a hazy, golden color with (at best) a 1-finger head that dissipates rather quickly. Lacing is minimal

S- Hops for days and immediately reminiscent of their Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale! Sweet orange/tangerine, ruby red grapefruit, pineapple and mango explode out of the bottle.

T- Sweet tropical fruit with a very mild and smooth bitterness...lots of late kettle hop additions for sure

M- Traditional California/American/Chico ale yeast supports the brew with a creamy and smooth carbonation. Simply perfect!

O- This is a re-review since my original exposure to this brew (almost one year ago). Not only was I lucky enough to acquire a few 6'rs of their Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale, it is now very clear that Little Sumpin' Sumpin' was the basis for that Limited Release recipe (albeit the Holiday Ale produced a more substantial head with great lacing). If you missed out on Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale, just go get yourself a fresh Sumpin' Sumpin' and you will not be missing anything...Superb!

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 23:26:42 | More by threeviews

CaptainSloose

New Jersey

4.98/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Left at my house after a recent homebrew session. I've fallen in love with this beer. It's so crystal clear its hard to fathom that this is a wheat beer. Served in tulip shaped pint glass at 40F, allowed to warm as well.

A: a golden color with orange hue, lacing for days (the wheat and torrified wheat do an excellent job)

S: Citrus notes, a hint of grapefruit and pine

T: Malty up front, but not overly sweet. The hop backbone perfectly balances out the maltiness, and has a dry finish, but a sweet aftertaste, with little lingering hop bitterness. The most floral beer that I've ever tasted, but considering the dry hop schedule in this beer it's no wonder.

M: the wheat in this beer gives it a wonderful body. Had i not looked at the homebrew clone recipe i would never have guessed its roughly 50% wheat (white, toasted, torrified).

O: this is the most perfect beer i've ever tasted. It's so balanced and drinkable you'd never guess it was 7.5%ABV and 65IBU. It's wonderfully aromatic, floral,. and damned tasty. I hope the upcoming homebrew clone Can You Brew It recipe i'm brewing comes within 75% of this beer, because its amazing.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 23:39:19 | More by CaptainSloose

Somebody_Else

California

4.98/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is my go-to beer. If I don't want to experiment or go for a special experience this is the beer I will choose and every time I do it makes me happy. Even though it is now generally available, I treat this beer like a special occasion -- a treat.

The first thing that hits me with this is the smell -- all tropical fruit, piney hops and FLOWERS. The seductive floral aroma pulls me in every time. I would wear this shit as aftershave! Did I say yet that I like the way it smells?

The taste is a perfect follow-up to the nose. This beer sort of straddles classifications, but I put it squarely in the IPA school, albeit a very balanced and refined IPA. It has that tantalizing bitterness but you don't just go bitter for bitter sake -- it's all part of the whole. The slight malt sweetness and lingering floral notes just do it for me.

I don't know if this is a mouth-feel deal, but the resin content really works for me. It sticks to the tongue and allows a recycling of the best of the flavors long after the last sip has slithered down the throat. Lagunitas pulls this off pretty consistently. The carbonation is perfect. On a hot summer day -- THIS IS IT.

I like a broad range of beers but most of the time I want something with plenty of flavor. I've always been a fan of the rich roasty creamy stouts and I've never turned down a rich red or brown ale. A sailing buddy introduced me to big hops beers last year and I haven't looked back. The brewery that consistently nails the big hops taste test is Lagunitas. The Lagunitas beer that satisfies me EVERY time I pop one is Little Sumpin' Sumpin'. I will keep drinking and enjoying other beers but I will keep coming back to this one for a looong time!

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 06:53:30 | More by Somebody_Else

BigJon

Florida

4.98/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

I can't say enough about this beer. This is my go to brew. When poured it has a beautiful golden appearance. It smells very hoppy with a fruitiness tone, I get the cascade hops instantly. Every bottle I have tried has the same crisp, full , fresh taste! Like I said , If I am having trouble deciding, I always grab a 6 of this.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2013 21:44:11 | More by BigJon

MaltyGoodness

Pennsylvania

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

12oz. bottle

Pours a slightly hazy apricot color with a dense eggshell head that maintains. Thick lacing on the glass.

Aroma is a bouquet of citrusy hops. Some distinct grapefruit and peachy tones. A true olfactory delight.

Tastes like it smells. A blast of citrusy hops upfront that levels out midway through and helps ease each swallow down my throat. Only a medium bitterness which maintains an almost perfect balance with the malt. No detectable wheat or other malt flavors, but absolutely not necessary in this beer.

Medium body, full carbonation.

A masterful blend of hops with tremendous overall balance. As pleasing on the palate as a hoppy beer can get, and deceptively drinkable at over 7%.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2009 00:35:59 | More by MaltyGoodness

challenja

Virginia

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Gorgeous deep orange with golden rod tones.

S: DAMN SON!!! The most aromatic Wheat Ale of all time!
Tons of citrus, tropical fruits, pineapple, fresh jungle honey, and rich flourishing malt. It stunk like some good Icky Icky. The most aromatic hop-ale that is not rated an IPA.

T: Tropical fruits, citrus (Big time Red Grapefruit, tangerine, lemon), and a nice crisp wheat finish. I was surprised that its not rated as an IPA. Very Close but not as tangerine and aromatic as their Lucky 13 beer which is also amazingly good.

MF: Medium body, silky, crisp, and sweet west coast hop sticky icky. It was a really delicious spring time beer. Good medium carbonation.

Overall: This can be considered one of my favorite drinkable Lagunitas beers. Lucky 13 is also a great summer beer. But this one of my favorite looking and smelling beers of all time.. Truly Exceptional.

Serving type: On Tap
Serving type: Bought bottles as well. Its better on Tap, more aromatic as well.

Serving type: on-tap

05-14-2011 18:34:33 | More by challenja

goldennectar

Ohio

4.97/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from 12 oz.bottle into pint glass.

Appearance: Nice white head & beautiful golden color

Smell: Hops & Pine - Extremely fragrant and fresh. Slight hint of citrus

Taste: Hops Malt Citrus Balanced & Fresh and did I say hoppy? But not bitter, Full of flavor

Mouthfeel: Crisp & Balanced Finishes very well & not overly dry,
actually a fantastic finsh that leaves you wanting another mouthful.
This beer defines mouthfeel for me!

Overall: WOW Very drinkable. Very flavorful. This was a big surprise, I was expecting
more bitterness from the hops but it is extremely drinkable. And the flavors! WOW
I see more of these in my future.

I own a beer and wine drive thru and this was a recommendation from a customer. I bought some not
ever having tasted a beer from Lagunitas. This will be a staple on my shelf!

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2011 21:27:04 | More by goldennectar

STEELERFAN2390

Florida

4.95/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

this beer is fu**ing great ....its the perfect blend of a hopslam and a pliny without a fu**ing whale hunt and a price gouging...grab it if you can ,I pick it up at total wine for about 8.99 a 6er...well worth it if you like the lighter more powerful hoppy beers!!

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 23:15:01 | More by STEELERFAN2390

SirDrinxAlot

Massachusetts

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pour is clear gold with a 1 finger head that retains a good lace.

Smell. WOW. Soft citrus and pine dominate. A slight floral nose also. An air freshener should be made of this beer.

Taste is like a light/medium hopped IPA. Flavors of tangerine, pine, and a light malt/wheat backbone. Very well balanced. Medium bodied and smoooth. Will definitely be picking up more of this. Excellent summer-styled IPA.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2009 02:26:50 | More by SirDrinxAlot

KickbacksSteve

Florida

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Without a shadow of a doubt, my beer of the year for 2009. Loved it when it was totally fresh, love it as it gets a bit older. Very unique taste up front and that great Lagunitas hop onslaught on the back end, balanced but just a nice amount of sweetness. Hard to believe the ABV is over 7% on this masterpiece. Juicy greatness and just a true joy to drink over and over. Glorious.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2009 08:32:36 | More by KickbacksSteve

hosehead83

Ohio

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a "stubby" 12oz. bottle into a standard pint glass.
Clear, copper/gold in color, with a nice, fluffy head of foam
Aroma-Fragrant boquet of piney, juicy, citrussy hops
Taste-Hopheads delight! Delicious onrush of juicy grapefruit and tangerine, followed by a tantalizing hop bite that teases the tastebuds into willing supplication.
Overall, wonderfully aromatic, balanced, snappy and tasty. Hard to stop at just one. A fine match for a cheeseburger with the works. One of my favorites from Lagunitas. Don't hesitate, buy that sixer! (or case) Truly an outstanding brew.

Serving type: bottle

08-09-2010 15:34:03 | More by hosehead83

Tripphop

Virginia

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Working on my third case of this one, its about time to review it. This is a killer session beer. Delicious fruity wheat underneath a rush of tangy and piney hops. Crisp and refreshing, leaves you wanting more every time you sip it. Nice light golden color, head is ok, froths up nicely at first and quickly dissipates. Fresh hoppy punch on initial taste followed by a sweet pineapply mid palate and dry crisp finish. Cant get enough of it. Drink it fresh.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2010 05:05:45 | More by Tripphop

thebrood1987

New Jersey

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Very huge smell of juicy fruits maybe some berry smell in there too and then some sweetness.. what an excellent aroma. This is definitely what I expect from Lagunitas. It still has that juicy fruity hop taste with a spicy hop kick in the beginning and a good almost piney bitter finish at the end. You get a huge sweetness in the middle that blends real well with the tremendous hop flavor and then the wheat finishing in the back with the hop bitterness. The hop profile is very close to their other beers like their regular IPA, Maximus, and Hop Stoopid. ALthough they are all very similar I still like this beer just as much as them. Even though the hops shine the most in this beer that wheat malt really completes it and gives Lagunita's regular hopped up beers a good twist. Definitely recommend this beer its like a wheat IPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2011 22:05:18 | More by thebrood1987

wallygatorca

California

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12 oz. bottle from a six (approx. 9-10 packs purchased and consumed), about time I reviewed here, this one is worthy of my first.

A - Orange, but still pale

S - glorious, and should be infused into incense

T - Hops (pine, citrus, floral), top the wheat

M - it lingers just enough to take another swig

O - Will be on my short list of brews I will gravitate to when looking at any retail beer fridge or tap lineup. Can be downed year round with anticipation and enthusiasm.

Keep in mind, I'm an IPA/Double IPA fan and this one hits the spot for me. If you're all about the wheat, this may not be exactly what your reaching for.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2011 05:59:52 | More by wallygatorca

Kisejohn

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Aroma:  Wow, huge grapefruit citrus and pine hop aroma.  Maybe some tropical fruit flavors peaking out.  

Appearance:  Honey golden color.  Three fingers of head with nice lacing.

Flavor:  The citrus and pine flavors follow through just like the aroma.  This pale wheat ale tastes just like a true west coast IPA.  Finishes bitter sweet with just a hint of lingering bitterness.  A hop heads dream.

Mouthfeel:   Light body, good carbonation.

Overall:  Lagunitas has redefined the American wheat ale and it is awesome!  It  drinks like an American IPA.  Waves of hop aroma and flavor with malt sweetness to balance.  My favorite American wheat, hands down.

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2012 21:41:06 | More by Kisejohn

dubinsky

California

4.9/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Poured a nice clear yellow color with a small white head that quickly disappeared and barely left any lacing.

S:Tons of piney hops and pine resin blast my nose. Just taking a wiff from the bottle i knew this was going to be awesome.

T: This beer really reminds me of the first sip i had of Pliny. I was in awe of the smell and taste and this sort of takes me back in time. Piney hops resonate with the first sip. Not much malt presence to speak of. I love it.

M: Light carbonation, but that leaves a very smooth finish on the tongue. The bitterness lingers a bit but quickly dissipates, leaving you yearning for more

D: I could drink this very often, and dare i say at less than $2/bottle i can see this replacing a greater known beer. I dont know if its sessionable since its rather high in alcohol, but i can easily sip this on a warm day and let it get away from me. I will definitely buy this again, especially since they are threatening this as a limited release. BOOO!

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2010 22:24:30 | More by dubinsky

barondebourgogne

Maryland

4.88/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Beautiful deep straw to light orange color with exceptional clarity for a wheat ale. Head disappated quickly for wheat. Did not have the expected foamy tight, white head.

Smell: Booming hops swirling with sweet malt in the aroma. Citrusy, piney and fruity. Loads of pineapple and ripe peach.

Taste: Here is where the wheat makes it appearance with a refreshing tart bite on the first sip that counters the malt backbone. Hops enter stage right behind that tartness, followed by a sweet, candy malt finish.

Mouthfeel: Hop bitterness, malt sweetness and wheat tartness battle for front stage on the tongue. A very unique and gratifying mouthfeel experience!

Drinkability: A unique and fun limited release from Lagunitas. A bit "big" all around for a summer ale. I would have enjoyed this more if the gravity was toned down so that I could enjoy on a hot summer day. Does not quench the thirst with a crispness as I would desire. Still a great beer that everyone should enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2009 01:40:00 | More by barondebourgogne