Adoring a Lagunitas beer almost feels like piling on at this point, but the not-so-little Petaluma, California brewery can’t seem to make a bad brew. Hop Stoopid is a dry-hopped, or as the company’s website describes it, “massively dry-hopped,” double IPA that clicks on all cylinders.
You’re not going to get anything here but honest beer: malt, yeast, hops, and water. In an era of coffee, artificial lime flavoring, and clam juice finding their way into the beer aisle, one could be forgiven for expecting more stupidity from a “stoopid” beer. We can thank the good folks at Lagunitas for reserving their insanity for ungodly hop levels.
And that’s what you get from the moment you open the 22-ounce bomber, or pump the keg, the only two ways the brewery distributes Hop Stoopid. Hops. That hoppy aroma is nearly as intoxicating as the IPA’s alcohol content: 8% ABV. Mouth feel is simply perfect—not too watery, not cloying. This is a sweet beer, mind you, but not sticky.
There’s a hint of bitter aftertaste to Hop Stoopid, but that’s inherent to IPAs. Honestly, I think I’d miss that bitter little reminder if it was missing. So yes, Lagunitas wins again. Is there anything they can’t do?
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company?
City: Petaluma, California ???
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.0%??
Availability: Year Round