Dogfish Head Squall IPA
I had first heard about this beer sometime last year and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival to my area.
Originally brewed with a limited release for Rogue Gallery in Portland, ME, Squall IPA is essentially an unfiltered, bottle-conditioned version of the brewery’s highly touted 90 Minute IPA . This year, however, the beer is seeing a much larger release which is why I was able to finally grab a couple of bottles.
Ideally, it would have been smart of me to have purchased a bottle of the standard 90 Minute IPA as well for a little side-by-side tasting. But, as you can see, I ain’t too bright. At any rate, I’m relying on memory and past notes to add comparisons between the two when I can.
Appearance
Squall pours pretty clear for an unfiltered beer. It’s copperish amber in color with a small white head that left some lacing on the glass.
Aroma
The dry hopping on the 90 Minute and Squall give both beers a big hop nose with plenty of pine and resin that mixes nicely with a slightly sweet malt presence. The Squally, however, has the added touch of a little yeast character to the aroma.
Taste
The biggest difference between the two beers can be found in the taste. It’s not a dramatic difference mind you. The Squall is much smoother on the palate with a bit more sweetness. The beer starts off sweet and malty with a light fruitiness before giving way to a more bitter and biting hop character. This medium bodied brew finishes with a slightly warming alcohol presence along with lingering hop bitterness.
Overall
I’m not entirely sure if I could pick a favorite between the two beers. The 90 Minute is definitely the more assertive of the two, but I do enjoy the yeast notes found in the Squall. Either way, you’re in for a treat if you’re into hoppier beer. I’ve got one remaining bottle that I’m hoping to set aside for some time — I’m hoping the bottle conditioning will allow this IPA to age gracefully. Only time will tell.
Rating: 3.5/5