Review: Dogfish Head Test Batch 61

Dogfish Head Test Batch 61
6.5% ABV
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
On tap at the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Served in a pint glass
Reviewed on 2/2/13 at the brewpub 

This ale, exclusive to Dogfish Head's Rehoboth brewpub and a test batch of the upcoming new  61, pours a solid amber with a minimal head and not much carbonation.

Smell consists of hopes, pine, grapes, honey.

Taste has hops, grapes, some rye, malt, sugar, slight cherry.

Mouthfeel is earthy, a bit thin, slightly uneven.

Overall, this was full of interesting tastes, though it seems evident that it's not fully formed.  On the palate, it was somewhat thin through the middle and the tastes were slightly uneven.  It'll be interesting to see what the final bottled product tastes like.

My score: 85

 

Review: Dogfish Head Pumpkin Old Ale

Dogfish Head Pumpkin Old Ale
8.0% ABV
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
On tap at the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Served in a snifter glass (approx. 8 oz serving)
Reviewed on 12/27/12 at the brewpub 

This ale, exclusive to Dogfish Head's Rehoboth brewpub, pours a hazy brownish amber with a good thin bubbly head.  Mild carbonation.

Smell consists of pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg.  I approached this one after two beers and food, so it was becoming difficult to discern smells.

Taste has rich pumpkin and vanilla with a good bourbon/whiskey flavored kick.  Nutmeg, some darker fruits like cherry and raisin coming through.  Mild hops.

Mouthfeel is smooth with a good bourbon bite.  Some earthiness, some syrupiness.

Overall, this was a good pumpkin ale that packs a nice bourbon punch to it.  Vanilla, dark fruitiness present.  In taste, this one is almost a fall/pumpkin cousin to 120 minute IPA though with the alcohol.  Where did this one come from? More info here. It's the product of a competition-winning Philadelphia area homebrewer who got to make his brew at Dogfish's Rehoboth brewpub.  Nice work--I think it's as good as Dogfish Head's seasonal Punkin Ale. 

My score: 92

 

Review: Dogfish Head Cypher

Dogfish Head Cypher
6.0% ABV
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
On tap at the Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Served in a snifter glass (approx. 8 oz serving)
Reviewed on 12/27/12 at the brewpub

This beer, a brewpub exclusive billed as a dark saison, is dark and bubbly with a decent off-white head.  Good lacing evident.

Smell is malty, with slight hops, caramel, floral notes, and spiciness coming through. 

Taste has malt, caramel, spiciness, some pepperiness, some smokiness, some woodfire taste.

Mouthfeel is earthy with some good texture.  Some good chewiness to it.

Overall, this is an interesting twist on a saison.  Malty and rich with caramel, but still retaining good earthy floralness like a true saison.  Smoky and spicy.

My score: 91