Lagunitas Censored Rich Copper Ale

Simple evening tasting following another dinner at Hy-vee with the team. Another beer that came with my winter assortment. Also this is commonly available at most Binny's stores around Chicago.

Appearance: A thicker and deeper darker looking coppered beer than I expected as well as some rustic bronze added to the hue. Almost no head at all but relatively clear. Little carbonation visible. Poor watery lacing, if that.

Aroma: Mild toasted caramel sweetness with some floral hints and mellowed fruitiness reminiscent of raisins and other dark fruit. Some alcohol present at the noses finish. Brown sugar and spice.
Taste: This beer has quite a spike in carbonation which therefore masks a lot of the potential flavors. Nevertheless gradually some citrus fruity notes permeate their way through followed by a carameled malt sweetness. The bubbling carbonation continues right on into the end where I get the sensation of tartness, but its more so just the irregularly long spike of carbonation down the palate runway. The finish leaves some residual fruit tannin and orange peel zest bitterness along with some alcohol.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, but the carbonation is something that really interferes with this beers potential at flavor. The bubbles perhaps loosen the body giving it more the perception of a lighter beer, but may just as well be heavy and sticky.
Overall Impression: I would have liked it. all the flavor potential was there, but it took a lot of small sips and thinking to sort out what flavors my palate was experiencing. Judging by the aroma, it could have had a lot. but it amazes me just how much one factor/category can throw off so much. I learned something with this one.


83/100