Lagunitas Brewing Company from Petaluma, California is one of those tiny little breweries that somehow manages to put out a huge number of different beers every year.  Hop Stoopid Imperial IPA is one of their latest big brews that is available throughout Bend in 22-ounce bottles.  Several of our closest friends have recommended this beer to us, and we’ve heard through the grape vine that this competively-priced beer is one of the biggest selling Imperial IPA’s in Central Oregon. 

Hop Stoopid Imperial IPA from Lagunitas Brewery

Hop Stoopid is 7.7% ABV and has a comical 102 IBU.4.U.

Nose/Appearance:  This clear, non-yet-infected beer from Lagunitas gives off a slightly sour/tangy yet hop-tinged aroma.

Flavor/Body:  Hop Stoopid is a flavorful hoppy ale with a profile that one might describe as a west coast Imperial Flemish brown.  In other words, it’s fairly unique for the style.

Finish/Mouthfeel: Finishes clean.  A strong suit for this particular beer.

Overall Drinkability:  Once you get past the tangy nose, the flavor and finish offer a fairly rewarding drinking experience, especially for the price.  Where else can you get 22 ounces of a semi-imperial IPA at 7.7% ABV for under 5 bucks?  It’s the economy . . . .  Stoopid.

Celebrity Likeness:  Kim Cattrall.  Hop Stoopid offers a cheap thrill.  Even if it’s not quite Lagunitas’ best effort, this beer still offers a lot of seductive potential.