Lagunitas from Petaluma, California make one of the most approachable IPAs in the country. Their flagship IPA is not trying to blow your head off with bitterness or drown you in juice. It is a balanced, well-rounded beer that sits comfortably between the malt and the hops, and it has introduced a huge number of drinkers to the style. I picked up a fresh batch for this guide.
Lagunitas IPA at a glance
| Style | American IPA |
| ABV | 6.2% |
| IBU | Around 45 |
| Calories | Around 200 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Lagunitas, Petaluma, California |
| Hops | Citrus and pine forward blend |
| Best served | Cold, in a pint glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Lagunitas IPA is the well-balanced middle ground of the style, neither too bitter nor too sweet.
The full review
It pours a clear golden-amber with a soft head. The aroma is a nice mix of citrus, pine and a light floral note, with a caramel malt sweetness sitting just behind it.
The flavour follows the same balanced path. There is a solid citrus and pine hop character, but the caramel malt gives it enough body and sweetness to round everything off. The bitterness is moderate and the finish is smooth rather than sharp.
That balance is exactly why it works as a crowd-pleaser. It has enough hop flavour to satisfy an IPA fan but it is soft enough not to scare off someone new to the style. It is a genuinely easy beer to drink at 6.2%.
It is not the most exciting IPA on this list, and it does not try to be. What it does is deliver a reliable, well-made, balanced IPA every single time, which is worth a lot.
Lagunitas IPA sits right in the sweet spot between malt and hops, which is exactly why it has converted so many drinkers.
- Beautifully balanced malt and hops
- Very approachable for new IPA drinkers
- Reliable and consistent
- Easy to drink at 6.2%
- Not the most exciting IPA out there
- Middle-of-the-road for hop chasers
Who it is for
If you are new to IPAs or want a dependable, balanced beer that will please a mixed group, Lagunitas IPA is one of the best gateways in the style.
Lagunitas IPA FAQs
What does Lagunitas IPA taste like?
Balanced citrus and pine hops over a caramel malt base, with a moderate bitterness and a smooth finish. It sits comfortably between sweet and bitter.
Is Lagunitas IPA a good beer for beginners?
Yes. Its balance of malt and hops makes it one of the easiest IPAs for newcomers, without being boring for experienced drinkers.
How strong is Lagunitas IPA?
It is 6.2% ABV with around 45 IBU, a full-flavoured but very drinkable IPA.
Where to buy Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas IPA is one of the most widely stocked craft IPAs in the US, sold in cans and bottles almost everywhere. Order it using the button above.
The verdict
Lagunitas IPA is a reliable, well-balanced crowd-pleaser and one of the best gateway IPAs going. It does the simple things very well.
FAQs
Who makes Lagunitas IPA?
Lagunitas IPA is brewed by Lagunitas (majority-owned by Heineken since 2017).
What kind of beer is Lagunitas IPA?
Lagunitas IPA is an American IPA, at 6.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Lagunitas IPA?
Lagunitas IPA has an ABV of 6.2%.
How many calories are in Lagunitas IPA?
Lagunitas IPA has Around 200 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Lagunitas IPA gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Lagunitas IPA is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Lagunitas IPA taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Lagunitas IPA made?
Lagunitas IPA is brewed by Lagunitas in Petaluma, California.
What is a good alternative to Lagunitas IPA?
If you can’t find Lagunitas IPA, Elysian Space Dust is a close alternative in the same American IPA category.
How do I open Lagunitas IPA without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Lagunitas IPA?
Cold, in a pint glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
