Monday, July 1, 2013

75 Minute IPA



I bought 75 Minute IPA by Dogfish Head with barely a glance at the label.  Just enough to read the name and know I wanted it. When I did look at the label, however, I was like whoa!!  What's this? Maple syrup?  In the beer?  Oh, yeah baby.  Now I'm really turned on by this beer.  And it's dry hopped.  This is gonna rock.

Oh boy.  Now my expectation level is super high.  It's going to be a long way down if 75 Minute lets me down.  Don't bring me dowwwwwn, Brrrruce.

As an aside, it's a common misconception that the word following the title line Don't Bring Me Down is "Bruce".  What lead singer of ELO, Jeff Lynne, originally recorded was a nonsensical made up word "Groos".  But after so many people misinterpreted the lyrics of the song, the band simply changed the lyrics and sang it Bruce.  So, if it's been bugging you all these years who "Bruce" was, now you know.  He wasn't. But now he is, sort of.

Anyhoo, about that beer.

75 Minute IPA (7.50% ABV) over flowed from the bottle when I popped the cap.  So, it's safe to say that's a well carbonated beer.  It poured a rich golden amber with a big pile of dense foam on top that left behind remarkable lacing.

The aroma is an enticing combination of hops and malt.  The maple was hiding.

The taste is pleasantly hoppy and malty with an undercurrent of maple goodness.  The sweetness of the malt and maple sugars offset the bitterness quite nicely.  And the dry hopping keeps the sweet stuff from overpower the bitterness.  So, it's a good balance of flavors.  The finish is nice and dry.

What the maple sugar creates a nice silky mouthfeel.  Smooth and wonderful!

Overall: very good.

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