Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion 012
What the brewers say
The lead hops in No. 12 include varieties from the Pacific Northwest and Germany, providing flavors of tan-gerine, honeydew, and strawberry Gummy.
What our panel thought
A classic West Coast IPA–lovers IPA. The dank, vegetal, and piney aromas of onion, green pepper, and spruce tips carry through to the flavor and integrate well. The malt profile is noticeable, but not sweet, giving the beer enough body to stand up to the assertive hops notes yet retaining a supportive role. The finish is dry and bitter but pleasantly mouth-coating.
What our editors thought
Faint strawberry and cantaloupe over French pastry dough evokes a finely crafted tart that’s pushed aside on the sip by a mildly bitter-lime shortbread cookie.
