Identity Crisis
Dragoon Brewing Co.

 

Poured a gorgeous clear golden body with an orangish tint and a finger of bubby white head that slowly receded. Overall impression of appearance is of an excellent IPA. Scents of tropical fruit, mango mostly, some bright citrus and grassy hops, notes of pine resin, light vegetal hop aromas and lemongrass, biscuity, lightly sweet and grainy malt at medium-light levels and a wild, barnyard, fresh hay funk courtesy of the Brettanomyces. Overall impression of aroma is of a very nice, bright IPA given excellent depth from a pleasing funk that is wild and deep rather than overwhelmingly sour. Flavor begins with a moderate hoppiness and moderate bitterness with notes of onion-like hops, grassy hops, melon, tropical fruit, especially passion fruit, some indeterminate citrus flesh and peel, wild barnyard funk, lemongrass and light pine resin, a very light tartness, far from sour, is also perceivable. Malt is the lightly tart and grainy presence of wheat at a supporting, subordinate level. Middle gains more prominent pine resin, alongside lemon grass, wheat malt, light wild funk and oniony vegetal hops. Finish is hoppy and lightly funky with notes of pine resin, lemongrass, passion fruit, indeterminate citrus, some light vegetal hop notes, tangy wheat, light melon and mango. Wild funk remains. Aftertaste is hoppy with pine resin, grassy hops and grapefruit peel dominating. Overall impression of flavor is of an amazingly complex IPA. The hop bill works to provide a variety of bright, fruity and vegetal flavors while the Brettanomyces adds wild funk depth. It is at once easy to drink yet hard to decipher, an amazing example of what can be done with an IPA. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with high carbonation and a slick, hop oily feel with a light wheat malt brightness. Overall impression of flavor is of a well done IPA that is very easy to drink and very pleasing. Overall this is a fantastic IPA. It uses its hop bill to the fullest to add a base complexity to aroma and flavor that is only enhanced by the light funk the Brettanomyces adds. Mouthfeel keeps it light despite the 6.6% ABV. An amazing beer.