Lawson's Finest Liquids Founding Brewer Sean Lawson Talks Hopzilla

We spoke with Lawson's Finest Liquids Founding Brewer Sean Lawson about Hopzilla.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
I did.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
My favorite aspect is the story and history behind the beer name (see below), as well as the whimsical label art. With the liquid, I love the way this beer hits you in the face with aroma intensity; both the complex malt bill and overly abundant hop additions deliver a multi-dimensional sensory experience.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?"
No thanks, I’d like a beer that I can sip a few of in one sitting.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Hugely balanced, intensely aromatic, pine resin, citrus, malty sweetness.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This is a really fun story! First, the history behind the name of the beer. Bert Grant is considered by many as a pioneer and by some as the “Godfather of Craft Beer” (or microbrewing as we called it back then). He founded Yakima Brewing and Malting in the hop growing capital of North America in 1982 (Yakima, WA). His IPA is rightfully known as the first “West Coast” (or PNW-style) IPA, which is a dry, intensely aromatic brew with a pale color and assertive bitterness (50 IBUs). He later launched and trademarked “Hopzilla” IPA, upping the ante on the hop additions. When a friend of mine suggested the name “Hopzilla” for one of my own intensely hopped double IPAs, it stuck! I looked up the trademark and discovered it had long expired, so I grabbed it for Lawson’s Finest, carrying on Bert’s love for hops as the inspiration for this beer.

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
The beer pairs well with a hearty food like grilled hot Italian sausage with caramelized onions and red peppers on a crusty roll or farm-fresh blue cheese with artisan crackers.

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