Dogfish Head Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew

Brewed by: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Brewery Location: Milton, DE

Style: Imperial Stout

ABV: 9.00%

Ah, yes. Who could forget this classic 1970’s album? I was fortunate enough to pick up a bottle of brew inspired by it, which was designed by Sam Calagione, of Dogfish Head Brewery. I didn’t really know what to expect from this beer, but I must say, as I am with most of Dogfish’s brews, I was pleasantly surprised.

I poured into a traditional pint glass, and was greeted with an incredibly dark appearance. This bad boy has one creamy head, which hangs around for the majority of the drink. There is a decent amount of lacing for a stout.

Upon first smell, I picked up on some serious chocolate and caramel notes. There were hints of coffee as well, but it smelled a bit sweet, which I believe is due to the honey undertones that were present. I’m not the biggest fan of stouts in the world, but I was pretty excited to tear into this jazz classic.

The taste followed suit with the smell rather beautifully. It tastes a bit boozy, and gives off some serious chocolate, molasses, and honey flavors. You can certainly taste the 9.00% ABV, that’s for sure. There isn’t anything particularly outstanding about the taste, but it is simply a very solid tasting, dark as night imperial stout.

I am very impressed with this brew, and would definitely purchase it again if given the opportunity. Being a limited release, I definitely wish I bought more than one bottle. It is a great tribute to an absolutely groundbreaking album.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Brewed by: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Brewery Location: Milton, DE

Style: Imperial Pale Ale

ABV: 6.00%

As I’ve stated before, I am a huge fan of the beer that Dogfish Head brews. And with IPA’s being my favorite style of beer, I knew I was in for a treat with this one. Luckily, and not surprisingly at all, I was not disappointed in the slightest. The 60 Minute IPA is a very well balanced, and delicious brew.

I poured into a tulip glass, and was greeted with a deep gold and amber color. There was not much head at all, perhaps a half-inch or so. It is definitely a fairly clear brew, with only carbonation bubbles clouding it up.

The 60 Minute IPA has a very distinct aroma to it, which left me very excited to take my first sip. It has a very piney smell to it, along with a variety of fruits. Citrus played a huge role in the design of this beer, with lemons and oranges providing very subtle undertones to the more apparent hoppy aroma.

The taste follows suit quite nicely with the aroma. I thought it was going to be a bit hoppier, but was actually pleasantly surprised to be sipping on a smoother IPA. I was a bit amazed at how easy it went down. The same citrusy notes apparent in the smell were made very clear in the taste as well.

I’ll be completely honest; I could drink this everyday and be pretty content. There is nothing absolutely incredible that stands out about it, but it is a very solid, very drinkable IPA. I may not have enjoyed your Raison D’Etra, but good job on this one Dogfish. Next up, 90 Minute… 

Stone Ruination IPA

Brewed by: Stone Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Escondido, CA

Style: Imperial IPA

ABV: 7.70%

I have been waiting for a beer like this for quite a long time. India pale ales are absolutely my favorite style of beer, and it is my opinion that the hoppier and more bitter they are, the better. I dug into this beer with fairly high expectations, and was not disappointed in the slightest.

I poured into a traditional pint glass, and poured the expected amber color. I had a bit of a strong pour on this brew, and was greeted with a very thick head, and a phenomenal amount of lacing throughout the drink. It has a very deep look to it.

Upon first smell, I was barraged with an aroma of different smelling hops. There was certainly an upfront pine smell, followed by a bit of citrus…perhaps lemon, or grapefruit? Either way this bad boy smelled like it was going to pack a punch.

Upon first sip, there was a wave of pine and malt flavors. The citrus that was apparent in the smell makes an appearance in the taste as well, which was very pleasant. The most noticeable thing about the taste, however, is the beautiful bitterness. At 100+ IBUs, it seemed a bit overwhelming at first, but it settled into a very nice finish, with serious drinkability.

This is absolutely one of my favorite IPAs, and I could certainly drink it on a regular basis. However, for those not familiar with the more aggressive IPAs, be warned, because this is one bitter mother, and everything else will taste bland for a while after!

Victory Prima Pils

Brewed by: Victory Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Downingtown, PA

Style: German Pilsner

ABV: 5.30%

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Victory Brewing Company from friends and fellow brew-junkies, and finally thought to give one of their beers a try. I am a fairly adamant fan of a good pilsner, so I decided to give the Prima Pils a try. Turns it out was a fantastic choice.

I decided to enjoy this beer in a tulip glass. The Prima Pils pours like a traditional German pilsner, with a cloudy and golden pale color, with a decent amount of head. There was a surprising amount of lacing throughout the entire drink.

This beer was a very nice smell to it. It has hints of citrus, malt, and even a bit of grain. It smells like a fairly complex beer, and left me very excited for the first sip.

The smell of this beer predicted the taste rather nicely. It is a slightly bitter beer, and bit hoppier than other pilsners. It has a malty and lemon taste to it, which balances out the hoppiness quite well.

Like I said before, I am a big fan of pilsners. I was genuinely impressed with the Prima Pils, and would certainly purchase it again in the future. I am looking forward to trying more beer from the Victory Brewing Company, that’s for sure. Next beer from Victory: Hop Devil!