DuClaw Brewing Serum
There’s not a whole lot that I know about DuClaw Brewing. I’m more familiar with the name of the brewery than anything else about it (unfortunately, their website doesn’t help educate me either). What I do know is that a few of their bottles have been showing up on shelves in northern Virginia lately.
Of the three bottles I purchased from the brewery, I’ve only cracked open Serum, a Double IPA that weighs in at 9% ABV and 80 IBU. The other two bottles — Misery and Devil’s Milk — will be enjoyed soon enough if this brew is any indication of what I can expect.
Appearance
Amber in color, Serum sits in the glass with a large off-white head that faded very slowly and retained a good lacing.
Aroma
Big piny hop scents rise off the surface of the beer along with a solid helping of bready malts. There are hints of resin, grapefruit and a peppery spice.
Taste
I’ve had more than my fair share of big Imperial IPAs in my time. This one may not be at the top of the list, but its slick mouthfeel and piny, oily hops certainly make it work buying again. There’s a solid bready malt component with a good deal of sweetness that’s countered nicely with a well rounded hop presence. Hints of grapefruit and orange mingle with the piny nature of the hops. It’s not any overly bitter IPA, but it does have a decent bite that fades slowly with the warming finish.
Overall
This was most certainly a tasty introduction to a brewery I’ve only heard mention of in passing. Their Serum is a darn tasty Double IPA that packs a solid hop and alcohol one-two punch. I can’t wait to dive into the other two bottles of theirs that I picked up.
Rating: 3.5/5