Some days, particularly when it’s cold and rainy, I just want to keep it simple and go with what I know. When the weather outside is frightful, I tend to reach for my favorite Lagunitas hoodie, my Sonoma State sweatpants, and a beer that I already know I like such as Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA. That, coupled with some NCAA hoops on the tube, made for a delightful evening the other night after a long day at the office.
I quickly became a fan of Delaware’s first brewery after reading Sam Calagione’s, Dogfish Head founder, book “Brewing Up A Business.” This is a great read for anyone looking to start up a brewery or any small business for that matter. Dogfish Head became one of the nation’s 20 largest breweries based on the mantra that they make “off-centered beer for off-centered people.” Prior to reading the book, I had only tried a handful of their beers and had avoided the 90 Minute IPA. Why? Well, Dogfish Head is expensive. Many of their signature beers are sold in four packs and go for about $12 a pop. Considering you can get a lot of great six-packs, especially IPAs, for less than $10, I have stayed away merely because of price. But, after reading the book, I quickly became obsessed with Sam and the Dogfish Head story. I have since tried a number of their beers and have been wowed by most, particularly the 90 Minute IPA and the Midas Touch.
The 90 Minute IPA has been deemed by Esquire as the best IPA in the country. Well, it’s hard to say what’s the “best,” but it would certainly make my top five IPA list. Living in California, I am used to the extra hoppy west coast IPA, but the 90 Minute IPA is much more malty than hoppy. I’d recommend this beer to anyone who likes a strong beer (9% ABV), but thinks IPAs are too bitter. Yes, there are plenty of hops as noted by the 90 Minute IPA moniker referring to the 90-minute constant hop addition. But, this beer is more malty and sweet than what a Californian IPA drinker might expect. If it’s a representation of its coast, I’m certainly down to check out other east coast IPAs.
I quickly became a fan of Delaware’s first brewery after reading Sam Calagione’s, Dogfish Head founder, book “Brewing Up A Business.” This is a great read for anyone looking to start up a brewery or any small business for that matter. Dogfish Head became one of the nation’s 20 largest breweries based on the mantra that they make “off-centered beer for off-centered people.” Prior to reading the book, I had only tried a handful of their beers and had avoided the 90 Minute IPA. Why? Well, Dogfish Head is expensive. Many of their signature beers are sold in four packs and go for about $12 a pop. Considering you can get a lot of great six-packs, especially IPAs, for less than $10, I have stayed away merely because of price. But, after reading the book, I quickly became obsessed with Sam and the Dogfish Head story. I have since tried a number of their beers and have been wowed by most, particularly the 90 Minute IPA and the Midas Touch.
The 90 Minute IPA has been deemed by Esquire as the best IPA in the country. Well, it’s hard to say what’s the “best,” but it would certainly make my top five IPA list. Living in California, I am used to the extra hoppy west coast IPA, but the 90 Minute IPA is much more malty than hoppy. I’d recommend this beer to anyone who likes a strong beer (9% ABV), but thinks IPAs are too bitter. Yes, there are plenty of hops as noted by the 90 Minute IPA moniker referring to the 90-minute constant hop addition. But, this beer is more malty and sweet than what a Californian IPA drinker might expect. If it’s a representation of its coast, I’m certainly down to check out other east coast IPAs.