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The Waldos' Special Ale

California
United States
Lagunitas Waldos Special Ale Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
87
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Appearance:
4 / 6
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Description 

In 1971, the Waldos met one afteroon at 4:20 in the front courtyard of their school near the statue of Louis Pasteur. They set out in a '66 Impala armed with a "treasure map" on a journey to find a secret garden near Point Reyes. They met there at the same time every day and continued their quest. They never found the secret garden....But they keep lookin'. The dankest and hoppiest beer ever brewed at Lagunitas was made with help of the Waldos for all treasure hunters.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.5%
IBUs: 
100+
Judges Review 
S J Klein's picture
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
4 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Woah! This is a big beer, a hop bomb and a full-frontal assault. There is pine and peel in the vinous nose alongside a nice tart maltiness. The aroma is rich and wine-like with hints of orange blossom. The flavor starts with a sharp tart maltiness that hints at alcoholic strength, then overwhelms you with hop sensations. Pine tar, grapefruit peel, and a rich, cloying maltiness is just the beginning! Flavors of kumquat, pineapple, plum and peppercorn complement a deep bitterness. You're left with lingering hop breath. A serious ride!

In the glass this beer is slightly hazy, tawny gold with a white head that vanishes after a few minutes. In the mouth it's thick, cloying and warm but cut with a nice effervescence. The lingering bitterness is not astringent at all.

Overall, this beer is crazy. If you're hop-obsessed, hop-deprived, or even just hop-curious, this is your cure. If you're looking for something to quaff with friends, you should grab something more sessionable, but if you want to bask in raw hoppiness, give yourself an intense ride, and sip yourself into hopblivion, then brother, this beer is for you. There's nothing technically wrong with this beer. It's just big. Did I say big? Because I mean... BIG!

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