Lagunitas Day Time IPA 12Pk Cans

Lagunitas DayTime IPA 12Pk Cans is a 4.0% ABV session IPA from Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California, sold as a 12-pack of cans. This low-alcohol IPA earned a 97/100 from Craft Beer & Brewing and has built a massive following on Untappd with nearly 230,000 ratings — evidence that a sessionable beer can still deliver serious hop character.
Quick Facts: ABV: 4.0%  |  Origin: Petaluma, California  |  Style: Session IPA  |  Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Production & Heritage
Lagunitas Brewing Company was founded in 1993 in Lagunitas, California, before relocating to Petaluma, and is now owned by Heineken International. DayTime IPA uses a special brewing process that dries out the beer to reduce the calorie count while maintaining hop-forward flavor, then reinforces body and mouthfeel with oats in the grain bill. The hop profile relies on Centennial and Citra varieties — a combination that delivers classic West Coast pine alongside modern tropical and citrus aromatics — all at a remarkably restrained 4.0% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright grapefruit and lemon zest hit first, followed by layers of pine and subtle tropical fruit including melon and passion fruit. A light malt backbone and faint grassy character round out the nose without competing with the hops.
Taste: The entry is slightly biscuity and mellow, with oat-derived softness cushioning the palate. Mid-palate turns decisively hoppy with grapefruit, lemon peel, and a flash of tropical fruit — orange, mango, and a whisper of strawberry. Bitterness is present but measured, never overshadowing the citrus-driven flavor.
Finish: Clean and moderately dry, with appealing notes of granola and light honey lingering briefly. The finish encourages another sip rather than demanding a palate reset, which is exactly what a session IPA should do.
How to Drink DayTime IPA
Serve cold, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to open up the hop aromatics. DayTime is built for drinking as-is, but it also works as a base for beer cocktails: try a Michelada, where the citrus hops complement lime and hot sauce; a Shandy with fresh lemonade that amplifies the existing lemon-zest character; or a Beermosa with orange juice for a brunch-worthy pairing that stays low in alcohol.
Best For
All-day drinking at backyard cookouts and tailgates without the heaviness of a full-strength IPA
Hop-loving drinkers who want a lighter option for weeknight sessions
Stocking a cooler for beach trips, camping, or outdoor festivals
Introducing someone to the IPA category with a balanced, approachable starting point
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DayTime IPA taste like? DayTime IPA is citrus-forward with grapefruit and lemon peel leading the way, supported by a biscuity malt base and a clean, slightly dry finish with hints of granola and light honey.
How does DayTime IPA compare to Founders All Day IPA? Both are flagship session IPAs at similar ABVs, but DayTime IPA is generally considered a touch less hoppy and bitter than Founders All Day IPA, with a softer body thanks to oats in the grain bill. Founders All Day leans more toward a traditional bitter, piney West Coast profile, while DayTime tilts toward citrus and tropical fruit.
Is DayTime IPA good for beginners? Yes — its low 4.0% ABV and restrained bitterness make it one of the most approachable session IPAs on the market, ideal for drinkers exploring hop-forward beer for the first time.
Where is DayTime IPA made? DayTime IPA is brewed by Lagunitas Brewing Company at its primary facility in Petaluma, California, with additional production at its Chicago brewery.
What foods pair well with DayTime IPA? Grilled chicken or fish tacos, where the citrus hops echo a squeeze of lime; spicy Thai noodles, since the light body provides refreshment against heat; sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a classic beer-and-cheese pairing; and fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette, which mirror the beer’s lemon-zest and grapefruit notes.
What sizes does DayTime IPA come in? DayTime IPA is widely available in 12-packs of 12 oz cans, and may also be found in 6-packs and single cans depending on market availability.
Is DayTime IPA worth the price? DayTime IPA positions as a well-priced session IPA that competes directly with Founders All Day IPA and similar everyday-drinking options; its high ratings — including a 97/100 from Craft Beer & Brewing — suggest strong value relative to its category peers.
Why DayTime IPA?
Brewing a 4.0% ABV beer that still reads as a legitimate IPA is a genuine technical challenge, and Lagunitas solves it with a process that dries the beer out for lower calories while using oats to rebuild body and texture. The Centennial and Citra hop combination delivers the grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruit that IPA drinkers expect — just without the alcohol weight. A 97/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing and an 88/100 on BeerAdvocate confirm that this isn’t a watered-down compromise. For anyone who wants real hop flavor from the first can to the last, DayTime is one of the most reliable session IPAs produced in the United States.