Dogzilla was one of three brews that my local shop had from the brewery, but it was the one that intrigued me the most. I’ve heard mixed opinions on the introduction of dark malts to IPAs the past few months. Some folks seem to hate the style creep, while others are all about innovation. Personally, I’m all for pushing recipes in different directions. Even the smallest of tweaks can make for one hell of a beer.

That said, I have my own mixed reaction to Dogzilla.

Appearance

Dogzilla pours a dark, rich chestnut brown with a large light tan head. It’s definitely a dark beer, only allowing a few streaks of light to pass through it around the glass’ edge.

Aroma

It’s got a pretty decent aromatic hop presence along with some spicy notes. The darker malts are definitely there, adding a rich roast to the nose.

Taste

At first, the brew wasn’t nearly as hoppy as the nose alluded to. The darker malts definitely dominated the taste imparting a nice roasted flavor that was rather bold. The hops certainly make their presence known in the dry, slightly biting finish, but they really start to come through overall as the brew warms. There’s a slight bitter finish, but I think it’s more due to the darker malts than the hops.

Overall

Dogzilla is an interesting brew. Part of me loved it while another part wasn’t sure of the introduction of the darker malt into an IPA. Now, that could either be attributed to the beer’s recipe or the fact that this was my first black IPA. I can’t really speak too strongly to the style, I suppose, until I try a similar product from another company. Either way, Laughing Dog’s beer, specifically, is a pretty good brew that improves as it warms in the glass. I’d buy this one again when the mood for something different hits.

Rating: 3/5

All we need now is for the old Beer Hunter series to get uploaded. Or, at least a “Beer for the Confused.” Who would make the ideal host for that one?

Reading up on the beer, I was pleased to read that Harpoon “…used copious amounts of a variety of hops including Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, and Amarillo at various points during the boil…” and then decided to dry hop at a rate of “… over 1lb…” per barrel. If that’s not mouth watering I don’t know what is.

Appearance

This Imperial IPA pours a golden amber in color with an inviting, massive white head — it faded very slowly leaving a resilient lacing along the inside of the glass.

Aroma

Heavenly notes of hops, citrus, grapefruit and pine mix with a peppery spiciness and sweetness. There’s a slight bit of alcohol in the nose.

Taste

Wow. At first you’re hit with dominating hop bitterness that fades wonderfully as the sweet malt comes in with the finish. I was expecting much more of a bitter character to the brew, but it’s actually quite well balanced and smooth — very smooth. The higher alcohol (~10% ABV) makes its presence known more as the beer warms in the glass.

Overall

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s hoppy, citrusy, piney and smooth. The beer’s well balanced nature and flavors make for one hell of a drinking experience. I will most certainly be getting more of this, providing I can still find it.

Rating: 4/5

According to the brewer’s website, pomegranates have meaning to those of the Jewish faith. It only seems appropriate that a product like this would come from Shmaltz Brewing. That’s pretty cool, but I’m more interested in what effect over 10,000 pomegranates per batch have on an Imperial Amber brewed to celebrate the company’s second decade in business.

Appearance

Origin pours a reddish copper in color with a small off-white head. This is a good looking glass of beer.

Aroma

Sweetness and citrus dominate the nose at first while the pomegranate aroma comes in towards the end. The smell of this brew is definitely pleasant and balanced.

Taste

I suppose I was expecting more of a pomegranate punch, but the fruit’s presence is light at best. It really blends nicely with the hop and malt profiles that dominate the beer for the most part. Origin is light bodied, crisp and refreshing.

Overall

This one surprised me a good deal. i enjoyed it thoroughly and have since bought a couple more bottles of it. The light fruitiness to it along with its crisp nature make it perfect for a lazy, hot summer day.

Rating: 3.5/5

At any rate… Founders Centennial IPA is a beer that the wife and I have been drinking fairly regularly since spying it on the shelves a couple of months ago. To say it’s tasty would be an understatement. The fact that it’s been in regular rotation is a testament to it’s well rounded flavor.

Appearance

The Centennial pours a light copper in color with a beefy, off-white head that left decent lacing.

Aroma

This one is quite floral with a wonderful citrus presence. A subtle pininess is also in there along with a mouth watering sweetness.

Taste

A great mixture of hope characteristics is the first thing you get from each swallow (piny, citrus, slight bitterness). The brew is well balanced with decent malt notes that wrap up the finish with a not too bitter, lingering flavor. The IPA has the perfect carbonation and body to make this one an easy drinker.

Overall

Reviewing my notes on this one, all I wrote was, “Must get more.” I think I’ll leave it at that.

Rating: 4/5