Life Is Uncertain, Don't Sip!

I would never have tasted a Lagunitas India Pale Ale (IPA) if a friend had not handed me a 22-ounce sample bottle when we met for lunch one day. OK, so just pretend to believe this...

The Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma, California labels its IPA as "12 fluid ounces of Malt, Hops, Yeast and Water." In other words, it's pure and it is quite good. For a pale ale, it has a comparatively strong taste that's halfway between a strong cup of tea and a light cup of coffee. There is a definite hoppy aftertaste but it's a pleasant one, reminding you that this is not a weak ale.

Here's Lagunitas' own description of this high quality IPA:

Thanks for choosing to spend the next few minutes with this special homicidally hoppy ale. Savor the moment as the raging hop character engages the imperial qualities of the malt foundation in mortal combat on the battlefield of your palate.

Whew! Yes, you eventually taste the malt base. And you'll come to remember the slogan of this Northern California brewery: Life Is Uncertain, Don't Sip!