CitruSinensis is an American Pale Ale brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a shaker pint glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Appearance
This Pale pours a crystal-clear pale gold is and topped by a thick cap of rocky, off-white foam that shows good retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind swaths of sticky lace on the glass and a bubbly film atop the ale.
Aroma
The aroma is bright with a scent of blood orange and tangerine citrus.
Flavor
The palate begins with a taste of bready malt and transitions to a mild bite of orange citrus. Sweet flavors of juicy blood orange and tangerine round out the finish.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is soft and smooth with a medium body and less-than-moderate carbonation. Finishes somewhat dryly with a very slight astringency.
Overall
Its appearance is lovely and the aroma is strong, persistent, and quite pleasant. The palate is quite juicy and a hefty malt backbone keeps most of the bitterness in check. Tastes and feels lighter than it is and you’ll crush this Pale easily enough. Indeed, this brew is nearly an eight-percenter but you wouldn’t know it. Gravity runs a little high though, and if anything, this Pale could be crisper with a touch more bitterness. Otherwise, the CitruSinensis is quite an enjoyable brew.
Watch the Video
Check out the video from Lagunitas brewmaster Jeremy Marshall as he talks about the CitruSinensis Pale Ale.