Lucky 13.alt - Lagunitas Brewing Company

threeviews

New Jersey

4.38/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a tulip glass.

A- Pours a hazy, golden orange with a 1-2 finger head. Nice presentation

S- Sweet...carmamel malt and piney, citrusy hops in equal amounts. One of the most well balanced American strong ales I have ever experienced.

T- Sweet malt, pine resin and citrus all in concert. Although a hop-forward beer (as most Lagunitas offerings are), the recipe allows all of the particulars to shine. It is as much malt-forward as it is hops-forward. Really great stuff!

M- On the lighter side of heavier bodied. Although the hops do their part to beat down the malt, the malt is still quite present in the taste and mouthfeel...but never in an overwhelming capacity.

O- Coming from me, another killer brew from Lagunitas...a brewery that 'can do no wrong' and definitely worth searching out. After this, I've got to revist Undercover Shutdown, as I haven't had it over a year...

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2012 23:51:07 | More by threeviews

barnzy78

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle, pours pale amber/copper with a fluffy off-white head that holds good retention and leaves excellent chunky lacing down the glass. Aromas are fruity, grapefruit rind, floral hops, caramely malt, toasted grain. Tastes are juicy grapefruit, pineapple, mango, tropical, biscuity, finishes slightly bitter. Mouth-feel is medium bodied, smooth, ample carbonation. Overall, I was disappointed to see they changed Lucky 13 from a red to a blonde, but this beer is exceptional either way! Excellent balance, excellent complexity, fresh and vibrant.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 15:42:44 | More by barnzy78

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

So they brewed a double Altbier eh?
Poured into my Rogue pint glass.

A - huh not as dark as I expected more of a amber brown like a DIPA with an impressive full inch of semi-sticky white head.

S - From the bottle an aggressive bit of pine and citrus hit the nose, oh my. In the glass a little more sweet malts and caramel come through on the back end, but a very aggressive citrus can't wait to sip!

T - Ow man that's balanced, you get a strong pine that rounds to a citrus zest of hops then it leads toward a bready like malt, almost cracker like, and finishes with a smooth caramel/toffee sweetness that leaves a sweet feeling on the tongue. Man thats good.

M - Medium bodied indeed but scary drinkable. I like how the bitterness doesn't become too aggressive leaving a sweet/clean finish.

Overall I like this the same if not more than the regular 13, and since I can't seem to find anymore 13 right now I best grab a couple more bottles of this before it's gone.

Well done guys!

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 01:01:04 | More by DrDemento456

clint1019

Michigan

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Has a Deep Gold color with a cream colored head that leaves some nice lacing.

S - Nice Piney hop aroma along with a a malty sweetness.

T - Has a sweet malty flavor with a honey-like note. Finishes with a big blast of piney, resiny hop bitterness.

M - Light bodied with a good amount of carbonation.

O - This is a great beer. Maybe one of my favorites. Has a bit of a sweetness to it, but it's balanced well by the hops.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2011 02:22:07 | More by clint1019

gopens44

Virginia

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Deep golden and fairly clear with a quickly diminishing frothy creme colored head.

S - A perfect blend of floral hoppiness and honey sweetness in the nose.

T - Like the nose, this one has a bright floral hop taste, but less sweetness in the taste than the nose. Honey taste finish with lingering bitterness.

M - Dry, well carbonated, medium bodied. Aftertaste holds on to the entire taste. It's like the taste that keeps on giving.

O - I dare Lagunitas to make a beer I don't like. I don't think they can. This beer is like an American Barleywine "light". Not quite as heavy, but similar taste characteristics.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2011 02:38:30 | More by gopens44

DrewV

New York

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Golden amber colored liquid with a huge 3-finger foamy white head. Gorgeous.

S: Potent piney, citrusy hops with hints of orange, tangerine, and pineapple. A robust caramel malt backbone obviously supports the hops.

T: Follows the nose, a well-balanced blend of citrusy hops and sweet malts. Akin to Arrogant Bastard, Lucky 13.alt sits solidly in the Strong Ale category of potent brews. A bit sharp in flavor during the early sips, I detect some peppery spiciness. But that early sharpness soon fades as the bold malt sweetness smooths out the flavor.

M: Smooth, thick, almost syrupy mouthfeel. Absolutely not cloying, however. Just tons of chewy goodness.

O: I do not understand why lighter-flavored beers get such high ratings on this site, while stronger, fuller-flavored offerings receive only moderate (B, B+) ratings. This brew is incredibly flavorful, creamy, and well-balanced. A serious contender in the Strong Ale category. A solid "A" rated brew here. No less. After sampling several of their offerings, Lagunitas is certainly making a believer out of me.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2011 02:20:02 | More by DrewV

osusullins

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Once again I should thank the good folks at Lagunitas for what is a very good beer. A beautiful amber color with a creamy white head. Strong citrus aroma, with grapefruit and pine both dominating the wonderful bouquet. The taste is very balanced. The grapefruit and pine are very pronounced, but the bready malts add some volume and create a wonderful beer. Very hoppy, but you also get some caramel sweetness. I enjoyed this beer a great deal. A wonderful strong, big beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2011 03:31:25 | More by osusullins

bark

Sweden

4.35/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The colour is gold-pale amber (15 EBC), the liquid is clear. The two figner head slowly sinks down leaving some lacing.

The smell is smooth. Malty flavours of French loaf and a touch of honey. Do I notice a hint of vanilla? Toffee and some earthy notes. Citric flavours of bitter oranges and orange marmalade. The bitterness is in the level of an APA and balanced. Still it is somewhat sharp, maybe the alcohol gives that sharpness?

The taste is at first velvety sweet with notes of toffee. Then, elegant bitter hops kicks in with notes of tangerines and bitter oranges. Then, the taste becomes luxuriously balanced with ripe red fruits, cookie-like sweetness and hints of green fruits. The aftertaste is elegant and lush with silk-smooth sweetness, hints of balancing bitterness and exotic fruits. The finish is, again, smooth.

The carbonation is mild, the mid-sized bubbles are just there to keep the beer from being flat. The liquid is sticky and somewhat thick.

A very luxurious beer, and at the time dangerously drinkable. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 19:09:57 | More by bark

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle, no date.

appears a clear copper color with amber highlights. thin white head, nice lacing and head retention. smell is a bit sweet, with some light floral hop aroma. very pleasant.

taste is a nice mix of caramel and toffee malt flavors, with piney and citrus hops. smooth. medium body and carbonation, a bit sticky on the lips.

surprisingly easy to drink for the alcohol strength. Lagunitas continues to impress me with their high quality and good value beers.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2011 02:53:22 | More by jmdrpi

bfields4

Colorado

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Nice golden amber filtered body. Decent retention in the head.

Nice biscuty sweet grainy aroma. Good citrus comes through from the hops.

Flavor reminiscent of the aroma. Slight tilt to hop. The hop profile is that lagunitas familair flavor. Not a bad thing. The sweet grainy quality balances nicely. Crisp and a touch of honeyish. No detection of the booze.

Smooth light bodied beer. Easy drinker. Has a sneaky 8% on it. Lagunitas just keeps churning em out. Maybe not a grand slam but i'd be happy to see this beer on tap anyday.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 02:40:14 | More by bfields4

superspak

Michigan

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 ounce bottle into snifter. Pours crystal clear orangish golden amber color with a dense 1 finger off white head with great retention that reduces to a fairly thick lacing cap. Nice amount of thick lacing clings to the glass as well. Aromas of big pine, orange, lemon, grapefruit, breadiness, caramel, and molasses. Very nice and complex aromas with nice strength. Taste is tons of orange, lemon, caramel, pine, honey, breadiness, and a bit of spiciness as well. Nice amount of bitterness on the finish that lingers with caramel, citrus, and pine flavors; with some nice sweetness in there as well. Insanely balanced beer, with just the right amount of sweetness, and overall great balance of all flavors throughout. Insanely smooth drinking for being almost 9%, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol is basically invisible, only a a slight warming after the finish noticed. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied. Overall, an absolutely outstanding offering from Lagunitas. So much well balanced flavor.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2011 04:32:19 | More by superspak

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Yet another gem from my western connection joemcgrath27.

A - Pours a crystal clear caramel colour, finger of head with solid retention and some nice sticky lacing.

S - Sweet pineapple hops with a hint of pine and cedar, caramel and toffee notes come through on the finish.

T - Man this stuff is tasty. The sweet pineapple hops dominate, some pine and cedar hop notes, with the caramel and toffee coming through on the finish with a hint of honey. A bitterness that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness. Yummy is an understatement.

M - Medium bodied, smooth and a touch of dryness.

O - A very tasty ale that has the classic Lagunitas hop profile that keeps you craving more. At almost 9%, this stuff is incredibly dangerous given its sessionable characteristics. All day any day is the motto that comes to mind.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2011 14:57:44 | More by andrenaline

ngeunit1

California

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a hazy golden orange with a finger of frothy off-white head atop. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some good lacing.

S - Aroma is full of sweet bready malts with lots of citrus and pine hops, and some candied tropical fruits.

T - Starts off with some strong citrus and tropical fruit hops with some candied grapefruit and strong bitterness alongside some sweet malts. Through the middle, some more sweet bready malts come through with some resiny pine hop and more bitterness. The finish is a mix of sweet bready malt, candied tropical fruits and bitterness.

M - Medium-full bodied with medium-heavy carbonation. Feels smooth with a sweet and bitter finish.

D - Very drinkable. A pretty different American Strong Ale with some nice fruity flavors that belnd in and feel balanced.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2012 06:01:27 | More by ngeunit1

dmatsui

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz bombadier into a tulip. Hazy orange reminiscent of Hefe, little to no head that dissipated fairly quickly. Alcohol legs are definitely present, as I would expect from an 8.8. Overal very pretty, tight clean carbonation.

So many complexities in the nose. At first you get the butterscotch, biscuity malt which is pleasantly sweet and slightly toasty without overshadowing the hops. As would be expected of anything from Lagu-fukin-nitas, the hops are definitely forward. A nice swirl brings out the sweet, summery amarilllo hops with a definite touch of chinook. There are hints of honeydew, clove, grass and citrus. There is a dank presence here as well. Not as much hop spice in the nose; perhaps it will be revealed in the taste.

The nose definitely provides for an accurate foreshadowing of the flavor. Big Amarillo hops, huge sweet citrus hops, pine, honeysuckle, and grapefruit (I know, typical.) What makes this beer different is the wild imbalance of the hop:malt ratio, which as a west coast IPA fanatic I really enjoy. The sweet malt base provides JUST enough support for the hops to really shine. Again, not much hop spice, but very forward in the honey-like characteristics. Not much alcohol presence.

The mouthfeel is surprisingly resinous and oily. With the amount of bittering hops they threw into this brew, you would think the finish would be very dry. However, this is NOT a dry beer. The oils and sugars make for a really nice mouthfeel, with a refreshing tight carbonation.

Overall, this is another winner from Lagu-Fukin-nitas. Lucky 13.alt (blonde) is definitely a nice summer ale, although maybe not a sesionable as one would want out of a summer beer. However, the sweet honey characteristics of the hops make this a unique brew and are reminiscent of summer foliage. Definitely worth a try if you like anything from this fukin' brewery, or are simply ready to try a delectably off-balanced, hop raging, sweet and unique summer brew.

One note: I'm not sure why this is under the category of ASA... I'm thinking west coast diipa.

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2012 03:38:24 | More by dmatsui

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

4.3/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - crystal clear orange golden, short white head dissipated to a thin covering
S - pine and grapefruit citrus ,light spiciness with some candy aromas
T - grapefruit and piney hops are big but balanced with a caramel and slightly nutty malt backbone
M - medium creamy and sticky body, lower carbonation with a warm ABV heat and hop bitterness
O - extremely drinkable in spite of big flavours, warms the insides and makes me smile

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 04:44:01 | More by joemcgrath27

dhilltop2000

Arizona

4.3/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Delicious! The first time I tried this beer I really liked it. I have had it several times now and each time I try it I think, "yeah", its still that good. Perfectly balanced! Thick and creamy, somewhat sweet malt is balanced by the 60 IBU hop fest.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2012 23:13:51 | More by dhilltop2000

ThickNStout

Georgia

4.28/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

16oz pour, on tap at Taco Mac (Alpharetta, GA). Served in a chilled pint glass. 

Delivered clear deep gold with a quarter finger of cream froth on top. Nice consistent lacing. 

Nice hoppy hoppy smells. Pine, orange, mango. 

Sweet burst of pine and citrus followed by a nice malt backing. Orange, pine, pepper, sweet bicuit. Very little noticeable alcohol. 

Medium full body with moderate carbonation. Slightly slick hop oils on the tongue give a long dry bitter aftertaste. 

After a year away, I'm still a fan. A good solid dose of hop goodness with a nice full sweet malt bill to back it up. I'll continue coming back to this when it's available. 

Serving type: on-tap

05-31-2012 17:14:29 | More by ThickNStout

JohnnyBarman

Ontario (Canada)

4.28/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Single bottle from Consumer Beverages in Orchard Park, NY. No sign of a freshness date.

Poured into a Duvel goblet. Copper-amber in colour, nice crown of foam, with some great retention and flecks of lacing.

Nose is quite lovely – good citrus notes, sweet malt, tropical fruit, caramel, nice citric hop bitterness.

Very tasty, fits somewhere in the midst of an American Barleywine, strong ale and DIPA. Sweet sugary malt, caramel and milk chocolate is kept in check with tropical fruit (orange, pineapple, mango) and citrus bitterness. Not a hint of booze to be found, very easy to drink. Wonderful mouthfeel – carbonation is just present enough to cleanse the palate, nice and creamy.

Wonderful brew, well worth a pickup. Good mix of style elements, wonderful to drink.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2012 03:06:26 | More by JohnnyBarman

chugalug06

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Nice head! Head is white and very fluffy... Brew is rich copper color with lots of amber hues. Nice lacing too!

S - Very sugary scent... Lots of flower aroma. Mild vanilla and lots of apple and peach.

T - Very pleasant. Lots of smooth flavors. Rose nibs, vanilla, peach, orange, ....

M - Very dry. A little too carbonated for my liking.... Nice bitterness arrives at the end of the brew.

O - Quite a surprising brew. This could become one of my new favorites. Awesome and definitely worth seeking.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 01:47:37 | More by chugalug06

OBeerMeGreatOne

California

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This must be a Sticke, though I'm no Altbier expert. I loved last years L. 13 Mondo Red so I was pretty intrigued by this year's release.

Pours out more of an orange/brown, translucent, but oily upon closer inspection. The head starts at about half an inch and leaves little lace.

The smell starts with citrus and cherry and ends with some bready malts.

The taste starts with a good mix of dried cherry, grapefruit and herbal hop resin. It has a real solid country grain bread finish to balance it out. Not too sticky going down, decently dry finish.

All in all a pretty sweet Anniversary brew. I'm glad I gave it a go.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 23:00:25 | More by OBeerMeGreatOne

oberon

North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I always look forward to new Lagunitas offerings to get my hands on.Poured into a becker a brilliant copper/bronze with a fluffy white one finger head atop that took its time settling.Fresh malty aromas of bread ans lightly sweet caramel,fresh herbal tones underneath.Again fresh is a good word to us for the flavors,slightly crisp bread and caramel tones with slight nuttininess,of course hops are gonna play a part from these guys lending a gentle herbal finish.If I was from northeast Germany I might have a heart attack over this beer,but Iam not and I think its a great new world "big" alt beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 21:22:39 | More by oberon

Tad

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a 22oz bottle into a chilled pint glass, nice golden auburn tan tint with a full white head, good retention, and leaves a little lacing to the glass on the way down!

Great hop aroma, Amarillo mostly from what I've heard, hits your nose immediately. High Gravity strong ale indeed, but well balanced, the malt backbone comes though right when you taste the hoppy goodness, medium/full bodied mouthfeel lingers on your palate until the next sip. Not a hop monster like other posters have said, but does balance with the big grain bill in this beer...

I have yet to find a beer from Lagunitas that hasn't been exceptional !! This doesn't disappoint, grab one of these when your looking for a big ale, and you will enjoy tasting brewing perfection..

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2012 05:36:29 | More by Tad

leaddog

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance- Pours an amber colour with 2 fingers width of bubbly white head.

Smell- Piney hops, citrus, tropical fruits, caramel, malts

Taste- Pretty much get everything from the aroma.This brew is nicely balanced between hops and malts. Finishes dry with slight lingering bitterness. Quite well done.

Mouthfeel- Medium bodied with light carbonation. A pleasant smoothness.

Overall- Happy 13th anniversary Lagunitas. These guys never disappoint. A brew that is well executed and balanced. Defnitely worth trying and getting a bottle of.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 04:31:04 | More by leaddog

BeerDocT

Georgia

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a chilled tulip glass.

-Appearance 4.5: I have to admit that I have never seen a beer this color. A shimmery, golden translucence, it reflects the light like it was plated gold. Largish head (3/4") quickly faded, which spells CO2 to me.

-Smell 4.0: Very nice bouquet here. Lots of big barley notes and high hop highlights. Just so appealing and very promising.

-Taste 4.5: Front is sweet and just in the front of the mouth. Middle is a huge, slightly sweet barley wave nicely balanced with alkaline hops. Finish is yummy malt and very, very smooth. Aftertaste is more malt and delicious hops and quickly ends. Very nice.

-Mouthfeel 4.0: Carbonation is complementary, but skirts the edge of "too darn much." Still, it is balanced for the flavor profiles found here.

-Overall 4.0: Falls slightly short of 4.5, but is an excellent brew. It really takes you on a swirling journey of all the things that make beer great: hops, malt and...magic. I would recommend this beer if you can find it. The 8.8% ABV is completely unnoticeable and as this baby is so sessionable...hope you have tomorrow morning off from your job as a brain surgeon. BUY IT!

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2012 04:45:51 | More by BeerDocT

smakawhat

Maryland

4.23/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a nonic pint glass.

Really nice body color here. Crystal clear, and amber bronze and orange glowing. Rising carbonation of small pinhead size, and producing a nice big three finger off white fluffy head with lots of retention. Very inviting.

Nose is great. Toasty sweet caramel and brown sugar, clean smelling citrus hops, really nicely balanced with a big malt forward presence. Smells delicious.

Tasty toasty light rolling malts, with a thick sweetness. Not too syrupy but just a little. Finishes with a muted sweetness and a slow burried hop bitterness. Feel doesn't seem heavily carbonated but no complaints as the malt is nicely big but in control.

Taste wise it's solid and not mind blowing, but I love everything else about this beer they did a great job on this one.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2012 18:31:34 | More by smakawhat