Lagunitas 12th of Never Ale
Lagunitas, for the last several years, has been a vocal opponent to canning their beers. Well, it looks like that opinion has changed and the company has released 12th of Never Ale in cans. It also sees the brewery move away from their typical hop-forward products in favor of trendiness. This 5.5% ABV and 45 IBU pale ale leans on the citrusy flavors of the hop more so than the bite.
12th of Never Ale not only looks mellow with its slightly hazy, pale straw color, but the hop bitterness — a usual key component in Lagunitas beers — is also fairly tame. Zesty lemony citrus, grain and floral notes lead the way for a gentle tingle of bitterness as the refreshing beer glides lightly to a lasting finish. It’s a lively little beer.
I’ve been a fan of Lagunitas’ hoppy brews for many years now and will continue to enjoy them for years to come despite whomever owns a sizable stake in the company. That said, I may not come back for many more cans of 12th of Never Ale. Maybe if it had a bit more body (and more bite) to it I’d consider it a staple for Summer picnics.