12 Beers of X-Mas: Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball

I’m capping off this year’s Twelve Beers of X-Mas with The Hairy Eyeball Ale from Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California.Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball This is their celebration of the planet Earth’s perihelion, which occurred about a week ago.

The Hairy Eyeball pours a relatively clear ruddy amber color. A creamy off-white head leaves a solid lacing on the glass. The nose is light, with a sweet toast and caramel malt character. A bit of alcohol spice and a little earthy hop aroma add some complexity. As it warms more dark fruit comes out on the nose.

The flavor is rich in malt character, covering the spectrum from biscuits and bread to toast, caramel and toffee, with even a hint of roast malt bite. The alcohol is evident, providing a strong warming without going overboard. The malty sweetness is nicely balanced by a robust bitterness from substantial hopping, which also contributes an herbal and earthy hop flavor. The generous malt also gives The Eyeball a thick and full body which is balanced by a lively carbonation, keeping it quite drinkable.

With its strong alcohol and rich malt, this may indeed be a good beer to use to recover from a hangover.

+Lagunitas The Hairy Eyeball Ale

4.1 (4-7-8-5-17)

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