Beer Review: Grimm Lambo Door Hazy DIPA
Lambo Door isn’t just a beer; it’s a testament to why Grimm Artisanal Ales is widely considered one of the masters of the modern Hazy Double IPA. This beer is a pure expression of soft texture and explosive hop fruitiness. It completely bypasses the resinous, aggressively bitter West Coast style, focusing instead on a pillowy mouthfeel and a massive bouquet of tropical and citrus notes that feel incredibly fresh. This is essential drinking for anyone who appreciates the “juice bomb” aesthetic.
The Experience
Visuals: The pour is exactly what you hope for from a NEIPA. It’s a beautifully vibrant, opaque golden-orange that radiates a haze like radioactive juice. It holds a dense, billowy, stark white head that persists for a long time, slowly receding to leave intricate, sticky lacing (what brewers call “glass lace”) all the way down the glass.
Aroma: The nose is a knockout punch of pungent tropical fruit. It is explosive and complex. Intense, bright notes of fresh-cut red grapefruit zest and sweet mandarin orange puree dominate, followed quickly by deeper scents of mango and a hint of soft peach. Beneath the initial citrus oil and resin lies a distinct, clean, doughy malt base, signaling a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Flavor: The flavor profile is incredibly smooth and creamy, with almost zero perceived bitterness—a remarkable feat for an 8% DIPA. Initial flavors of sweet pineapple juice, passionfruit, and sweet mandarin are met by a luxurious, oat-forward malt body that gives the beer a heavy, but never sticky, texture. As it warms, subtle layers of underripe mango and a surprising pop of jasmine and noble spice (from the El Dorado) emerge.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied, velvety, and exceptionally soft. The carbonation is fine and lively, creating a “pillowy” sensation on the tongue. This high level of carbonation and lack of astringency make the 8% ABV feel remarkably light. It is creamy from start to finish.
Lambo Door is a definitive statement on the “Juicy DIPA.” It respects the classic foundations of the NEIPA style, aggressive dry-hopping, and haze, but executes them with flawless precision. Grimm has used the combination of Citra, Simcoe, and El Dorado hops to create something that feels almost like a fruit puree, yet drinks with remarkable clarity and zero alcohol burn. If you appreciate a Dazy DIPA that is soft, vibrant, and effortlessly complex, this is essential.
Perfect For:
Pairing with lighter, but flavorful fare: think ceviche, mango sticky rice, or just enjoyed fresh on its own on a sunny afternoon.