Lagunitas Maximus 12Pk Cans

Lagunitas Maximus 12Pk Cans is a 9% ABV Double IPA from Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California, sold as a 12-pack of cans. Scored 93 out of 100 by Beer & Brewing magazine, Maximus stands as one of the brewery's most aggressively hopped year-round offerings, built on a massive dry-hop bill balanced by a deeply layered malt backbone.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9%  |  Origin: Petaluma, California  |  Style: Double / Imperial IPA  |  Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Lagunitas Brewing Company was founded in 1993 in Lagunitas, California, before relocating to nearby Petaluma, where it grew into one of America's most recognized craft breweries. Maximus is brewed with a combination of Simcoe, Mosaic, CTZ, Cascade, and Centennial hops, layered over a grain bill of smooth malted wheat, biscuity Munich malt, and English Crystal malt. The result is a Double IPA that leans into hop intensity without abandoning malt structure — the generous dry-hopping delivers aromatic complexity while the rich barley base keeps the 9% ABV from feeling aggressive or one-dimensional.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pine resin and juniper berry lead the nose, followed by waves of citrus — orange peel and grapefruit zest — with a layer of sweet exotic fruit underneath. A faint floral and herbal character rounds out the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is bold and resinous, with citrus and tropical fruit hops hitting immediately. At mid-palate, the biscuity Munich malt and wheat emerge, offering a soft body that tempers the hop bitterness. The peak delivers a blend of berry, spice, and pine with just enough malt sweetness to hold the balance.

Finish: Lingering and moderately bitter, with grapefruit pith and herbal hop notes that slowly fade. A subtle warmth from the 9% alcohol surfaces on the close without becoming boozy or harsh.

How to Drink Maximus

Maximus is best served cold, around 45–50°F, poured into a tulip glass or snifter to concentrate its complex hop aromatics. It drinks well straight from the can for a more casual session, though the malt depth rewards a slower, deliberate pour. Try it alongside a Hop Drop 'n Roll-style cocktail using IPA as a float over citrus and ginger. It also works as the beer component in a Boilermaker paired with a rye whiskey, where its pine and spice mirror the spirit's grain character. For a refreshing twist, use Maximus in a Beer Margarita (Beergarita), where its tropical fruit notes complement lime and tequila.

Best For

• Stocking a home fridge for hop-forward beer enthusiasts
• Bringing to a barbecue or tailgate where bold flavor can stand up to grilled meats
• Gifting to a craft beer fan exploring West Coast-style Double IPAs
• Pairing with spicy or rich foods at a casual dinner gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maximus taste like? Maximus delivers bold citrus, pine, and tropical fruit hop flavors balanced by biscuity malt sweetness and a soft wheat body. The finish is moderately bitter with lingering grapefruit and herbal notes.

How does Maximus compare to Heady Topper by The Alchemist? Both are acclaimed Double IPAs, but Maximus leans toward a West Coast style with more prominent bitterness, pine, and crystal malt sweetness, while Heady Topper is a New England-style DIPA known for its juicier, hazier, and less bitter profile. Maximus is also significantly more widely distributed and available year-round at a lower price point.

Is Maximus good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its layered malt backbone and 9% ABV give it enough body and complexity to drink slowly and appreciate, especially when poured into a proper glass at the right temperature.

Where is Maximus made? Maximus is brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company at their facility in Petaluma, California. Lagunitas was founded in 1993 and has become one of the largest and most recognized craft breweries in the United States.

What foods pair well with Maximus? Spicy buffalo wings work well, as the hop bitterness cuts through the heat. Grilled burgers with sharp cheddar complement the malt sweetness. A cheese board featuring aged gouda or blue cheese matches the beer's intensity. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical fruit hop notes. Pepperoni pizza is a reliable pairing where the carbonation and bitterness cleanse the palate between bites.

What sizes does Maximus come in? This listing is for the 12-pack of cans; Maximus is also commonly available in six-packs and individual 12 oz cans depending on market availability.

Is Maximus worth the price? Maximus positions as a premium craft Double IPA that delivers well above its price tier in hop complexity and malt balance. With a 93/100 score from Beer & Brewing and an 89 on BeerAdvocate from nearly 6,000 ratings, it represents strong value among widely available Imperial IPAs.

Why Maximus?

Maximus earns its place in the Double IPA category through a combination of hop variety and malt engineering that most beers at this price point simply do not attempt. The five-hop blend of Simcoe, Mosaic, CTZ, Cascade, and Centennial creates a layered aromatic profile that shifts between pine, citrus, tropical fruit, and spice depending on the pour. Its 93/100 score from Beer & Brewing reflects the beer's consistent quality across batches — a hallmark of Lagunitas' large-scale brewing precision. For anyone who wants a Double IPA with genuine complexity that remains approachable and widely available, Maximus is one of the strongest options on the shelf.