Lagunitas Brewing Co. – Wilco Tango Foxtrot

It is always interesting to go back and review a bottled beer after being exposed to it for the first time on draft.  The same can be said when having a beer on draft after already evaluating the beer from a bottle.  In many cases for me the draft version is preferred, but there is no way that can be my universal judgment as I think that environment always plays into how I view a beer.  I am not about to pretend that my kitchen and living room are a better beer environment than Max’s where I had this beer for the first time.

Mention must also be made that The Wife loves this beer, agreeing with my grade as she enjoys the finish and level of bitterness.

Now to close the week . . .

Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma, CA)

Name: Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Style: (American) Strong Ale?

ABV: 7.83%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge (52 degrees or so) and served in an oversized wine glass.  Limited release.

Aroma: Rich, full (fruity, somewhat floral) hop aroma with some underlying caramelly sweetness.  Really nice overall aroma to the point where I want a candle that smells like it.

Appearance: Amber to brown color.  Slight, dark cream color head that holds well and leaves a solid trail.  Very clear with few small, slowly rising bubbles visible.  Head was more full and creamy when the rest of the bottle was poured in.

Flavor: Low, but nice hop flavor (estery/floral) up front with a moderate amount of hop bitterness from middle through the finish.  The underlying maltiness has a toasty/caramelly character.  Some slight dryness at the finish that lingers lightly with the hop bitterness.  All components are well balanced into the whole.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with seemingly moderate to low carbonation (though volatile when swirled).  Very smooth and creamy with some light warmth toward/after finish.

Overall Impressions: A bit mellower than I remember it being on draft at Max’s as I recall the hops being more prominent.  Both are nice.  A very enjoyable beer to sit and relax with, only getting better as the glass empties and the beer comes toward room temperature.

Grade: A

Lagunitas Brewing Co. - Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Now a bit closer