Glassware: DayTime features a beautiful and delicate hop aroma and glassware that traps that is best suited for the beer. As always with IPAs the Spiegelau IPA glass is best, but if you are in a situation where that is not an option a Willi Becher Pub Glass will service the beer well. However, the Lagunitas mason jar glass is also a great choice for this beer, after all this is not a sipping beer, it’s one to chug!

Description: DayTime pours a crystal clear golden hue with bright white frothy head that leaves a thin layer of lacing on the glass. The aroma is delicate but has notes of citrus and tropical fruits with subtle spicing and bready malts. The taste follows the nose but with subtle semi-sweet bready biscuit malts up front followed by citrus and tropical fruit notes with earthy hops that leave a very dry finish. The thin body is expected for the style but still maintains a perfect balance between malt and hops. A very crisp and lively carbonation also aids in the refreshing factor for this beer making it a great way to beat the summer heat. This is an extremely sessionable ale that is a must try for all fans of hops. Another fantastic beer, but nothing less should be expected from Lagunitas.

Food pairing: The light qualities and mild hop punch make DayTime a great beer to have with a variety of lunch and dinner dishes. Try pairing DayTime with a sandwich of any variation and don’t be afraid to pile on the meats, the malts will instantly grab onto the bread notes while the subtle spices and mild citrus notes will highlight any natural sweetness found in the fillings. This is a beer that is light enough to pair well with a salad with any number of toppings, it has enough depth in the flavor to withstand anything but is light and delicate enough to not overwhelm even the simplest of salads. DayTime also goes perfect with Mexican food, the spicier the better. The hop profile will accentuate the spices while the malts and hints of citrus will put out any fires burning the palate.

The Final Word: Lagunitas is a brewery known to not take themselves too seriously, however they most definitely take their beer very seriously. DayTime is their entrance into the popular session IPA category and who better to brew a great session IPA than the brewery that popularized the West Coast IPA style? DayTime offers a wonderful hop kick without a big alcohol bite but still maintains balance. Some session IPAs come across more as hop water, not the case with this beauty. It is an absolute must try for all hopheads, especially those who are looking to kick back a few!

Brewer- Lagunitas Brewing Company

Beer- DayTime

Style- American IPA

ABV- 4.65%

Weekender Rating: WWWW

Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour at noon on Sundays on WILK 103.1 FM with past episodes available on iTunes.

By Derek Warren

For Weekender

DayTime, by Lagunitas, is the perfect chugging beer any time of day.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_daytime.jpgDayTime, by Lagunitas, is the perfect chugging beer any time of day.