Dorado
Ballast Point Brewing Company

NickandToni from New York

4.1/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Envy can be surmised as ones belief that they can achieve better than existing. Though this may be true most of the time, this is not the case with Dorado. I have envy because I will never do better, I can only strive. Read on.

Look: Almost Arabesque in color
Smell: Earthy malt, candied grapefruit peel
Taste: This beer defines that identifying a bitter taste is not lost in America. Grapefruit, fresh and full of wonderful bitterness
Feel: Heavier than most of its competition, connoisseur worthy
Overall: Up there with the best. San Diego living up to the world's finest

Though I have had slightly better experiences with this genre, Ballast Point is at the top of this category.

Oct 27, 2015

Jwaks from Connecticut

2.46/5  rDev -40.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Perhaps i got an old or bad batch. The palate is full of hot alcohol, the hop flavor is dirty, earthy and nasty with a good dose of pine and grapefruit with very irritating, rough and highly persistent bitterness all on a shitty light caramel malt base. Fermentation is clean, that's about the only bright spot. My expectations were high given my experience with sculpin and other ballast point brews, yet this has got to be one of the absolute worst dipas i've had in awhile. Hop flavor sucks, it's just a blast of dirty earthy piney bitterness. This brew may benefit from a fermentation with more fruity esters, lower alcohol and use of hops with a cleaner less astringent bitterness and less earthiness. There seems to be a love affair with big bold high alcohol brews despite the flavor profile or other qualities which this completely lacks. I will try another batch to reproduce my experience and make sure nothing is off and, for now, i do not recommend this.

Jul 04, 2015

Nature777 from California

4.55/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I had this on-tap at the Ballast Point Brewery out in San Diego. This was my second trip to the brewery, and the first time I've had this beer. One word describes it; "flawless." This is the best DIPA that I have had to this point. Being from NY, I'm accustomed to East Coast styled IPAs. Despite that, I have a new found love for the West Coast style of IPAs.

This beer had a very distinct malty sweetness to it. The hop profile was strong but not overbearing. This beer was resoundingly balanced and highly enjoyable.

*As a note, this site has the ABV listed as 9.6%, the brewery had the ABV posted as 10.6%. I don't know if that batch was stronger than usual or if that was the norm.

Jan 12, 2011

Damian from Massachusetts

4.92/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Drank from a 22 FL. OZ/1 PINT. 6 FLUID OUNCES./650ml bottle
Served in a snifter
Acquired in a trade with errantnight

The beer poured a super hazy, light orangey-amber color. The ultra creamy, frothy, one-finger head left sheets of thick, bubbly lacing all down the glass. Both the head retention and lacing were truly amazing, as they lasted long after the beer was finished.

The aroma was incredible. Intensely citrusy, bold and sweet with strong orange liquor and tropical fruit notes (mango, grapefruit and papaya). A yeasty quality was also detectable. As the beer warmed, the alcohol became a bit more noticeable.

Like the aroma, the taste was near perfect. Hoppy up front with a stiff malt backbone. Subtle hints of brown sugar came through. Strong, zesty, orange and tropical fruit notes (pineapple) dominated in the center. Lots of "c" hop notes going on here. Some spiciness came through as well. The semi-dry and pithy finish was grapefruit-like with a bit of pine and resin mixed in. A touch of alcohol warmth appeared as well and became somewhat more apparent as the beer warmed. Some bitterness lingered in the aftertaste.

The mouthfeel was super creamy, smooth and slick with a medium/fuller body and a fine, subtle carbonation. Frothy and supple on the palate.

This 9% ABV double IPA was one of the most drinkable versions of the style I have ever tried. It was incredibly well balanced yet still came packed with enough citrusy hop goodness to satisfy even the most seasoned hop head.

Overall, this was an exceptional brew. Hopefully the folks at Ballast Point will consider making this a year-round offering.

Sep 21, 2008

HopHeadBeerFed from California

1.79/5  rDev -56.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Metallic taste despite good coloration on the pour. Hips are hidden in the high ABV no malt backbone whatsoever Very disappointed for the the price point. After a prior review of Dogfish 90 and Stone enjoy by.. this beer fails in all regards of an imperial IPA. Good buzz that's about it...

Jun 06, 2015

MrMegaton from Virginia

4.52/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Have to say, what a surprise. Built a mix-a-6 pack with this inside today and wow. Easily one of the best Doubles I've ever had.

Great full copper hue with a finger and a half head, great lacing.

Smells straight off surprisingly of toffee, with spiciness working in.

Taste wise, just wow. I have to say I have not been impressed by Ballast Point until this beer. Definitely spiciness from the hops, working in some baking-spice, toffee-ish notes. Incredibly smooth and not overpowering. Hoppy finish.

Overall a fantastic beer. Very pleasantly surprised.

Jun 11, 2016

beerdedking from Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

At times overlooked, but quite possibly the quintessential San Diego DIPA. Hits all the traditional notes of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and pine. Perfectly balanced, it has the drinkability of a much lesser ABV brew. No alcohol presence whatsoever. One of my favorite beers, period. It's so well put together, why wouldn't it be? Approachable, yet plenty hoppy for the most discerning hop head...

Nov 11, 2014

Drel from Massachusetts

3.26/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Had an off smell after pouring. I can only describe it as funky. Very boozy tasting with an initial sweetness that wasn't expected. I can see the appeal but it wasn't for me

Mar 13, 2015

dar482 from New York

3.68/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

The beer comes in a hazy dark amber color.

The beer is resinous and harsh drinking. Mountains of huge sweet malt and caramel sweetness. The finish goes on with sticky resin, pine, and bitterness.

It surprisingly does not drink as high as 10%, but it is still a messy, sweet, and dank brew.

Sep 27, 2015

Wer34truh from Minnesota

2.75/5  rDev -33.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.5

Pours a hazy golden color with a medium-large bubbly head.

Smells of piney citrus-laden hops.

This is a powerful IPA, and it hides the alcohol quite well. However, I am not necessarily a fan of what is here. The piney is overly present, with a distasteful bitter and sour aftertaste. This is better than it's watermelon bastard brother, but it's not a good beer nontheless.

May 31, 2016

BuckeyeNation from Iowa

4.32/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Radiant tangerine with butterscotch edges. The largish cap is pastel orange-tinted ivory in color and is currently filling the top third of the pint glass with no sign of giving any quarter whatsoever. In time, it drops far enough to reveal a great deal of sticky lace in torn sheets. The light, bright color of the beer leads me to think that caramel malt will be in short supply. I certainly hope so; who needs yet another barleywine wannabe?

I've been enjoying the fantastic nose ever since the pour and it has taken all of my willpower to keep typing and not dive right it. I mean that figuratively rather than literally, but if the glass was bigger, I just might give it a go. This beer features an explosive aroma of all manner of citrus fruits, including pink grapefruit, orange, pineapple and passionfruit. One of the best DIPAs that I've smelled in quite some time.

The flavor profile follows suit, more or less. As expected, there isn't a whole lot of melted caramel present (there's still some though) on the palate. The malt backbone is appropriately huge, which is a good thing given all the hops. Even though I've had much hoppier versions, this one will scratch that alpha acid itch for damn sure.

The same citrus fruits that were present in the nose are present in the mouth, with orange shining especially brightly. In fact, given the less than perfectly masked alcohol (about which more below) comparisons to Grand Marnier would not be out of line. There's also a great deal of pungent pine sappiness present; an impressive amount in fact. The hoppiness isn't the high end hoppiness of an IPA, nor is it the bottom end thrum of a good American barleywine, but is something in the vast middle.

I have no idea how fresh this beer is, but I'm guessing that it hasn't been in the bomber long because of the still hot alcohol. While it isn't a deal breaker (it is a deal cracker), I prefer my DIPAs to hit me over the head with hops, not ethanol.

There's no letdown in the body/mouthfeel department. It's probably closer to medium than to full (for the style) with the alcohol acting as a solvent to cut the potential fullness down to size. It isn't a worry, though, since all that malt provides plenty of plushness and a light sticky sappiness on the finish.

Yet again, Ballast Point Brewing Company comes through with a solid, delicious version of a classically American style. These guys are often overshadowed by the AleSmiths and the Stones of the beer world, but cracking open a bottle of their beer is all it takes to prove that, in many cases, they deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with the San Diego County giants. Dorado Double IPA is all the proof that anyone should require.

Oct 19, 2006

TheIPAHunter from Pennsylvania

4.06/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

My palate was invaded by distinct notes of pine. I get ripe melon, hints of lemon, and orange peel as it warms. Initial sips mask the abv, which, at a whopping 10%, is nothing to take lightly. After two pours, I can tell that Ballast Point had no intent of messing around with Dorado. This a head knocker, and it should be treated as such. Nothing exquisite or pretty about this one; it's not Halle Berry in a glass. However, it drinks well and provides enough flavor to make you appreciate the lengths the brewer traveled to deliver a first-rate product. Semi-dry on the finish. Try it, and enjoy it. Just don't expect to walk away with your new favorite beer.

Jun 16, 2015

SammyBoy from New Zealand (Aotearoa)

4.47/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

L: Low head. Slightly cloudy.
S: Very strong hops on opening the bottle. It's almost putting my nose in the hop bag I use for home brewing.
T: Strong bitter foundation to balance the aromatic hops. Strength of alcohol content peeks through the bitterness at times.
F: The subtle fizz is almost like a light sherbet.

Jul 18, 2016

LiquidAmber from Washington

4.23/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a medium coppery amber with a fine two finger white head with great retention and lots of lacing. Aroma of piney and light citrus hops, caramel malt, tropical fruit, orange citrus, spicy and lightly floral; nice. Flavor follows aroma, with orange citrus, tropical fruit, piney and citrus hops with a hint of dankness; as the flavor starts to fade from the taste, intense resinous piney hops kick in to leave a quite pleasant citrus rind and grapefruit aftertaste with light supporting flavors from the malt. Medium bodied with light creaminess and good carbonation. A nicely balanced and flavorful imperial IPA. The hops are not as forward in the beginning of the taste, allowing the malt and herbal flavors to present themselves, then the hops kick in into a strong resinous finish. ABV well covered. Well done as expected from Ballast Point. I like their hop combinations a lot and this is no exception.

Sep 29, 2015

WestCoastLibations from China

4.16/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Probably the most expensive beer in my catalogue so far, this was initially (attempted to be) sent from California to Ethiopia, only to be stopped by customs in New York. Returned unharmed, the shipping cost around $90USD, yet the beer remained unopened, set aside in a garage refrigerator for when I returned.

I returned.

Opened and poured into an unassuming glass, it came out a Golden Amber with minimal head, allowing for, as they say, easy access. Smooth on the palate, it was not of the bitterness associated with other Double IPAs, an equal mixture of smell and taste as it traveled down to the Nethersphere of ma belly. Light and refreshing for a DIPA, it worked its magic, reminding me of the hardships of East Africa while remaining grateful that I was drinking this beer among the Purple Mountains Majesty of the greatest country on Earth.

I couldn't think of a better way to welcome myself home, surrounded by the positive percentiles (10%) of this beer, and the positive vibrations (Turn On Your Lovelight) associated with its mixture of quality look, smell, taste, and feel. I don't know if it would have been any different had it made it to Ethiopia to be enjoyed there, but right now, amongst the ocean breeze and blue skies of Southern California, mere miles from this particular beer's inception, I am just grateful that all roads lead home, and it is here where I can enjoy this Dorado Double IPA!

Aug 04, 2015

ChristianAlexander from California

4.46/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

It's fitting in multiple ways for this double IPA's name to bear some similarity to a line of chips not generally considered to be 'food'. By this I refer to Doritos of course. Doritos named as some sort of spanish-seeming word for food-seeming chips symbolizing a craft-seeming brewery serving IPA-seeming American IPA. Now, I won't delve into the ongoing furious debate on the legitimacy of American Indian Pale Ale, no, I won't propose something so extreme as an APA classification (American Pale Ale) nor will I even argue labeling a beer as American IPA as unreasonable (further, I must resist the urge to attack descriptions such as Double or Triple IPA or the IBU standard or beer marketing as a whole (let's face it, it's all designed to get kids to drink, I know that's how it worked on me when I was five)). But you go to Ballast Point Brewery say in Long Beach, I know I have, and the walls just scream and echo from the ghosts of past-crafts after the 2 billion buyout from Corona, at least I know I hear them. Sure, I still have a good time, sure the scenery outside with the ocean and ports and expensive yachts are amazing, but the echos can still be heard. Nonetheless, the Dorado Double, after all is said and done, is a very good beer. It's very good IPA. It's super drinkable and stands as a testament against corporate evisceration. I sit on the top balcony at Ballast Point Brewery, fill growler after growler (their 64oz black stainless steel growlers are very attractive by the way), crying harder and harder in the midst of a massacre aftermath. My weeps are carried out to sea.

Sep 15, 2016

BethanyB from New York

3.88/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

Look: A slightly hazy medium amber body with a large, off-white head which leaves behind a plethora of spotty lace.

Smell: Pineapple and coconut lend a tropical twist to a mixture of juicy citrus fruit. Malt produces a complementary scent of buttery crackers.

Taste: Passionfruit and pomegranate mix with the usual hoppy citrus rind taste. The tropical aspect of the bouquet is not repeated in the flavor. Instead, It is replaced by a toasty malt taste, which makes the beer darker and more dull than a typical IPA. Medium-high bitterness is accentuated by white pepper and basil.

Mouthfeel: Overall the body is medium, with a bit of a creamy, buttery, comfort food texture combined with spritzy carbonation and a moderately dry finish. The alcohol warming is light, and settles peacefully in the belly.

Overall: It's a good IPA overall, but the maltiness and darker fruit flavors detract from the refreshing qualities expected from the style.

Sep 07, 2015

cfh64 from Texas

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

Dec 10, 2012

maximum12 from Minnesota

4.82/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to goodspeed94 for sending this bottle all the way across the continent to the Heartland. Always looking for another good dose of hops to keep the temp down.

Looks like an IPA, golden, amberish. Smell is pretty amazing. Very sweet, with a rip of hops, to no one's surprise.

Wow. This is fantastic. The hops are not only bitter, but multi-layered, attacking every part of my mouth with equal angry zeal. Hops in the first rush, on the way down, & lingering in the aftertaste. And unlike most IIPAs, the "balance" of the malts is sweet & appropriate, not taming the hops, but playing sweet romantic footsie with them before the main event. Hot damn.

Nothing to complain about here, tastes great, easy down, etc. I could see slumping over a bar with an unending glass of this in front of me until I fell off onto the damp floor. I'd love to try this on tap, as I can't see how it could get much better.

Absolutely top notch. One of the best IIPAs I've ever had. I'd be happy to welcome a bottle of thirty-seven of this into my home any day.

Wow.

May 31, 2009

gatorbreath from Fiji

3.92/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

This is a strong, STRONG DIPA.

The color is copper/amber, dark, hardly any head with a not-overly-aggressive pour. Smell is unmistakably hoppy with high alcohol content. I was really looking forward to trying this brew. Taste was hoppy and burns something serious. The mouthfeel was medium to full bodied, slick and oily. Drinkability was poor on this on, in my opinion, in that the burn in the throat on the aftertaste is overbearing. I was a little disappointed on this in that aspect. Just not one of my favorites. Give her a whirl and see what you think by all means. It's worth a pint.

Dec 26, 2009

draheim from Washington

4.06/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On tap into a mason jar @ Chuck's, Seattle. Pours a coppery orange /w a 1-finger white head.

Aroma is pungent and resinous. Lots of sticky tropical fruit and pine.

Taste is a blast of flavor. Peach, mango, dried apricots and pine. Tons of pale and caramel malt provide a more than adequate backbone, balanced by a huge helping of bitter hops. If anything, there's too much flavor. But it's almost mathematically balanced to never go either too malty or hoppy. Some boozy heat too. A little overwhelming.

Mouthfeel is sticky, chewy, heavy. Good carbonation but this clearly is a big, high-gravity beer.

Overall, Dorado is a big bold beer. I ordered it because it was the first time I'd seen it (since BP started distributing in Washington a couple weeks ago), but you might need to be in the mood for such a monster of a DIPA. Generally I like my beers lighter and more refreshing. For what it is, though, it's good and well executed.

Jun 23, 2013

HopAttack3 from Virginia

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

Mar 03, 2013

BWHD from Illinois

4/5  rDev -3.4%

Apr 14, 2013

Nolen12 from Kentucky

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

Jul 16, 2013

SeanDonahue from New Jersey

3.47/5  rDev -16.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: A very light golden with about a finger of a head.

Aroma: Piney hops up front followed by some fruity notes that I couldn't put my finger on what fruit it was.

Taste: Hoppy up front. This beer drinks somewhat bitter and does not have a lot of smooth citrus qualities to it. The aftertaste tasted a bit nutty to me, almost like a nut brown ale would.

Overall, this is a standard IPA that would be great for beginner drinkers.

Jul 02, 2013