Lagunitas Lucky 13

This 8.65% ABV "Mondo Large Red Ale" is from the Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma, California. Lucky 13 was originally brewed in 2006 to commemorate their 13th anniversary. It has been brewed annually ever since, some years as an alt beer (apparently then with a blonde on the bottle).

The beer pours amber and copper with a reddish tint. There is over an inch of off-white head. The aroma is both malty and hoppy, battling it out, caramel, tangy fruit, some pine, citrus, sweet potatoes, who will win? The taste is richly malty and then immediately tangy, fruity, with a light to moderate bitterness. The beer is medium bodied, moderately carbonated, and surprisingly warming for 8.65% ABV. In the end, the malt wins, but the hops play a wonderful foil. A very nice American red ale.