Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA?($7.99 for a six-pack at Warming's)
This beer was recommended to me by numerous sources, many of whom touted bodies nearly as impressive as that of this Delaware-based IPA. Though I do not usually go for IPAs, I decided that the hype was enough to push me toward a purchase.
I think Dogfish Head Brewery took a rather bold approach in the name of its product, for I know few people who enjoy the fresh smell of haddock in a cold brew. Much to my surprise, however, there was nothing fishy about the 60 Minute IPA. The pour had relatively few bubbles and left little head, a telltale sign that the beer would drink smoother than your average brew. The beer's lightly tinted amber color was a bit less colorful than I would have expected from an IPA, but it retained enough of the copper tones to remind me of the bitterness that IPAs are known for.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the body full and rich, delivering a subtle bite and a terrific finish. The aftertaste was probably the most enjoyable as it left hints of a dry fruitiness that gives the beer a very complete tasting profile.
The label is rather subdued, blending earthy tones and warm fonts in order to give the beer a more organic look. Interestingly, the fish that is displayed bears no sign of canine relation?in fact, it looks as though it is a tiger shark with too many fins and a small smirk that suggests it might have just eaten the "dogfish." We may never know.
I fully support anyone's decision to try this beer and give it two thumbs up, despite the obvious confusion the name conveys. My scores: Taste: 4.7, Label: 3.7, Benefit/Cost: 4.0.
Magic Hat Fat Angel?($7.29 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's Market)
The Burlington, Vermont-based brewery finally came up with a real surprise in this pale ale, combining style with taste to create a beer with some real personality. The color of this beer is magnificent, a deep gold that almost looks like orange when held up to certain indoor lighting, and it provides a head that stays intact minutes after being poured. A casual sip shows me a combination of taste sensations that I haven't experienced in weeks?initial mild bitterness which then morphs into a smoother, sweeter body, eventually ending the indescribable way that only pale ales can.
Concerning appropriate social contexts for the Fat Angel, I judge that this beer could be consumed as a casual drink without weighing too hard on your stomach, though it may become a bit of a letdown once you get used to the unique flavorings that are true to Magic Hat's typical, sub-par brews.
The label is quite a statement, painting the words "Fat Angel" in neon scribble font over an angel wearing a mischievous expression. Indeed it is a powerful image to digest since we movie-watchers are used to thinking of angels as being anything but fat. Perhaps this angel decided to consume too many of its namesake's beverages and did too little wing flapping through the clouds.
Regardless, this beer is an interesting one that will give the taster something to think about even if you don't like angels, clouds, or fat. My scores: Taste: 3.6, Label: 4.6, Benefit/Cost: 3.8.