Lagunitas Golden Equinox Ale

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Gold color, large head. Mildly hopped, mild malts. Oat malts results in a banana like slightly sweet flavor. Subtle, slightly sweet mild malt taste. Finish is clean. Aftertaste is slightly sweet, not bitter. An interesting beer, very different taste with the oat malts. Taste grows on you.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Well, what a surprise -- yet another whacked-out nonsensical label to match another whacked-out bock-style beer. And while I've been wowed by most of the Lagunitas line of beers, and this is still good, it seems to have something missing from the mix that I can't quite put my finger on. In other words, this is good, but a little too quirky to be great.

First impression of this was watching the visual lavalamp-like show, with CO2 bubbles acscending, and bits of yeast descending, in a very entertainiing display.

But the crux of the matter here is the aroma and taste. Again, very tasty, with enough character to make a difference -- postively affecting the mouthfeel and drinkability.

But again, there is something of a disconnect here that makes this a bit disconcerting. Maybe it's the bock-like origins of this beer, or the oats, or the odd visual display (e.g. yeast & CO2). I can recommend this beer, but, at the same time, don't forsee me purchasing it again anytime soon.
//TB