Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights North Coast Laguna Baja (Review)

Even a month later, I’m still getting comments on a post I did about North Coast Brewing Tart Cherry.  Of course the beer was delicious, but what is most surprising is that the comments I’m getting are all relative to how beautiful the beer looks.  (If you missed the photos, check them out here.)  So naturally I was very excited to see another care package arrive from Fort Bragg, CA.

Today we’ll be highlighting a returning North Coast Brewing favorite coming just in time for Cinco de Mayo 2019.  The beer is called Laguna Baja and according to North Coast, the beer is named to “honor the migration of California gray whales along the coastline of the brewery’s home in Fort Bragg, CA on their route between the Arctic and Baja California.”  The label on the bottle backs up that naming with the familiar “North Coast” logo and font.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that the bottle looks great and it’s time to pop it open…so off we go.

Laguna Baja is a Mexican-style dark lager or as they call it, “a Vienna lager in the Mexican mode.”    The beer pours a deep amber brown color with some pleasant malty, biscuit and molasses aromas.  The flavors follow with a touch of roasted malt, caramel, molasses and an earthy somewhat floral hop presence to balance it all out.   The mouthfeel is soft and somewhat creamy, and at 5%-AbV I think this will be the perfect beer to launch into the summer 2019 beer-drinking season.
Overall Laguna Baja is a well-balanced with a clean and refreshing finish and I really think North Coast nailed the hop balance in this one….not too sweet, not too bitter and really drinkable.

North Coast Laguna Baja is available now in 12oz bottles as a Heritage Seasonal release.  The beer hits 5%-AbV and 19 IBU and I really think this is one of my favorite examples of a Mexican-style lager…so be sure to try it out.  When you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.