WTF BOOOOOOOM


Brewery and Country of Origin: Lagunitas Brewing Company of 1280 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA, 94954, USA

Date Reviewed: 7-03-12

To the younger crowd, the internet is a means of comedy. Sometimes people post random, pointless, and usually stupid clips, bytes, and other forms of media that to most are funny (sometimes for no apparent reason), and go viral. Memes, for one are about spreading a very simple concept or idea around very quickly, changing slightly with each exchange. Though it originated from the NATO Phonetic alphabet and its use was spread by the military, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot as a euphemism for the phrase WTF (what the fuck?!) was brought into mainstream popularity as a meme on the internet. WTF is a short phrase commonly used to express utter bewilderment or confusion driven frustration (WTF BOOM is another story we won't get involved with). Back to beer. Interestingly enough, Lagunitas wanted to call this beer Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, but an ATF related law states that the word Whiskey can't be used to brand a beer. Sad. Either way, this robust brew packs an awesome load out, so watch what you're doing.
Date Sampled: 7-01-12 At: 146 Fiddlers Hollow, Penfield, NY, 14526, USA
Beer Style: American Strong Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 7.83%
Serving Type: 16.9 oz Bottle, 18 oz Mug Glass
Rating: 3.61

Look

This is a dark reddish/brown beer which pours fairly smooth and swirly - with moderate carbonation action. Though this is a filtered beer, the appearance is fairly dull and hazy with a glowing (not shining) effect when held to the light. Moderate lacing occurs. This beer features a taller, two thirds inch thinner foam head which dissipates quickly.

Aroma

The aroma is very well balanced with a mix of adequately malty and somewhat hoppy notes. These are lower level sensations as the aroma isn't very prominent. The beer starts smelling sweeter and ends with hops indicating a balanced flavor.

Feel

The WTF is a medium bodied, fairly refreshing brew with an unclear, hazy, and lingering finish. This top fermented beer has a medium viscosity and is pretty easy to drink, despite its figurative size.

Taste

Caramel malts and other sweeter flavors dominate the overall taste of this beer, though there are some hoppy and bitter notes present towards the finish. This beer does finish with a lingering hoppy aftertaste. Interestingly enough, the mix between sweet and bitter here makes the WTF a great beer to drink with dark chocolate.

Our Take

This is a composed, well made, malty beer for those looking for a solid, brew which isn't afraid of anything. Honestly, as far as heavy American Red Ales go, this three grain brew is going to be like nothing you've tried before. Much sweeter than you would anticipate, but without forgetting a nice, crisp, and almost refreshing bit of hoppiness towards the finish. Sure, this beer isn't going to attract anyone looking for an easy going, relaxing sipper, but truth be told, despite the rather audacious name, the higher than most ABV, and general identity of the brand, there are many other less than forgiving red ales out there. Perhaps those at Lagunitas weren't as crazy as anyone thought when they called this a "recovery ale"... wtf?!