Dragoon IPA | Dragoon Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
Dragoon Brewing Co.
Arizona, United States
dragoonbrewing.com
Style: American IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.30%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
This is a true West Coast IPA–it is pale in color, with with bracing bitterness, high alcohol content (about 7.4% abv) and a fruity/floral/citrus hop aroma. It is made from a simple malt bill: North American base and pale caramel malt. We use copious amounts of Northwest hops (Summit, Columbus, Magnum and Zythos) all throughout the boil, with most of it going in within the last 15 minutes. After fermentation is complete, we dry hop it with approximately 1 boatload of each of the same hop varieties.
Added by Gueuzedude on 04-19-2012
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Ratings: 233 | Reviews: 49
Reviews by DonDirkA:
More User Reviews:
4.56/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured a clear amber body with abundant bubbles and a foamy white head that receded to a foamy cap of lace. Overall impression of appearance is of a very nice IPA, quite enticing. Scents of grapefruit, earthy, vegetal hops with an onion quality, tropical fruit particularly guava and mango, spicy hop aromas, a hint of sweet malt backbone and notes of pine resin. Overall impression of aroma is of the perfect West Coast IPA, I have found few that can touch the balance and depth on display. Flavor begins wonderfully hoppy, with notes of earthy, dank, vegetal hops, imparting that nice oniony flavor, along with abundant notes of grapefruit rind, pine resin and light notes of tropical fruit. Middle continues these flavors but increases hop bitterness from medium-high to high and increases the intensity of grapefruit and pine resin. Finish is dry with notes of pine resin, earthy, dank, vegetal hops, grapefruit peel and pith, pine resin and a nice hop spiciness and a very light balancing caramel malt backbone. Aftertaste is nicely bitter with notes of pine resin, grapefruit peel and earthy, dank, vegetal hops. Overall impression of taste is of a fantastic West Coast IPA. Again a perfect balance of hop flavors is reached, creating a wonderful whole and one of the finest examples of the style I have tasted. Mouthfeel is medium-light bodied with medium carbonation and a sticky, resinous mouthfeel. Again, near perfect for the style, nothing at all to fault. Overall this is one of the finest West Cost-style American IPAs I have had. It has a near perfect aroma, flavor and mouthfeel, representing the best of the style and showing that the best Arizona breweries can easily compete with the California big boys.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured a clear amber body with abundant bubbles and a foamy white head that receded to a foamy cap of lace. Overall impression of appearance is of a very nice IPA, quite enticing. Scents of grapefruit, earthy, vegetal hops with an onion quality, tropical fruit particularly guava and mango, spicy hop aromas, a hint of sweet malt backbone and notes of pine resin. Overall impression of aroma is of the perfect West Coast IPA, I have found few that can touch the balance and depth on display. Flavor begins wonderfully hoppy, with notes of earthy, dank, vegetal hops, imparting that nice oniony flavor, along with abundant notes of grapefruit rind, pine resin and light notes of tropical fruit. Middle continues these flavors but increases hop bitterness from medium-high to high and increases the intensity of grapefruit and pine resin. Finish is dry with notes of pine resin, earthy, dank, vegetal hops, grapefruit peel and pith, pine resin and a nice hop spiciness and a very light balancing caramel malt backbone. Aftertaste is nicely bitter with notes of pine resin, grapefruit peel and earthy, dank, vegetal hops. Overall impression of taste is of a fantastic West Coast IPA. Again a perfect balance of hop flavors is reached, creating a wonderful whole and one of the finest examples of the style I have tasted. Mouthfeel is medium-light bodied with medium carbonation and a sticky, resinous mouthfeel. Again, near perfect for the style, nothing at all to fault. Overall this is one of the finest West Cost-style American IPAs I have had. It has a near perfect aroma, flavor and mouthfeel, representing the best of the style and showing that the best Arizona breweries can easily compete with the California big boys.
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4.58/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great, well-attenuated West Coast-style IPA, good and bitter, and with a punch of citrusy and savory, almost weedy (or, if you prefer, cat piss) hops. I know the latter aren't everyone's favorite, but I think they work well here. Tasty stuff.
(Edit: this is now in cans, and I think my appreciation of it grows with each popped tab. This is like über-fresh Torpedo with a splash of Blind Pig and maybe some Hop Stoopid too, piney, grapefruity, herbal/savory, floral even and with enough bitterness to make you cry uncle. Clearly, in this age of tropical smoothie IPAs and the like, this sort of brew probably won't win any popularity contests, but for those of us who enjoy them good, pungent, bright, and bitter, this is the bees knees.)
(Latest update 4.4.16: I'm just gonna keep updating, because my opinion of this beer continues to evolve, and in the best possible way. 3.10.16 canning, almost a month in the can now, and this beer hasn't let off the gas one lick. Still dank, pungent hops, grapefruit and pine, like someone grabbed a handful of hop cones and squeezed their nectary oils into the can. Utterly tremendous, to the point that, outside of a few staples like Union Jack and the like, I'm not sure I need to drink any other IPAs.)
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Great, well-attenuated West Coast-style IPA, good and bitter, and with a punch of citrusy and savory, almost weedy (or, if you prefer, cat piss) hops. I know the latter aren't everyone's favorite, but I think they work well here. Tasty stuff.
(Edit: this is now in cans, and I think my appreciation of it grows with each popped tab. This is like über-fresh Torpedo with a splash of Blind Pig and maybe some Hop Stoopid too, piney, grapefruity, herbal/savory, floral even and with enough bitterness to make you cry uncle. Clearly, in this age of tropical smoothie IPAs and the like, this sort of brew probably won't win any popularity contests, but for those of us who enjoy them good, pungent, bright, and bitter, this is the bees knees.)
(Latest update 4.4.16: I'm just gonna keep updating, because my opinion of this beer continues to evolve, and in the best possible way. 3.10.16 canning, almost a month in the can now, and this beer hasn't let off the gas one lick. Still dank, pungent hops, grapefruit and pine, like someone grabbed a handful of hop cones and squeezed their nectary oils into the can. Utterly tremendous, to the point that, outside of a few staples like Union Jack and the like, I'm not sure I need to drink any other IPAs.)
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3.74/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The appearance was a nice looking hazy orange to amber color with a one finger white foamy head that dissipated within about a minute leaving some light lacing trickling along the glass. The smell had a floral and citrus hoppiness up front letting some light caramel malts try to balance but still the hops are on the main stage. The taste was a very nice bittersweet floral to citrus flavoring with a delicate light extra fruitiness. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a fairly decent sessionability about it. The carbonation was somewhat sharp but placed itself on the harshness as it rolled over my tongue. Overall, I say this was a pretty good AIPA well worthy of having again.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
The appearance was a nice looking hazy orange to amber color with a one finger white foamy head that dissipated within about a minute leaving some light lacing trickling along the glass. The smell had a floral and citrus hoppiness up front letting some light caramel malts try to balance but still the hops are on the main stage. The taste was a very nice bittersweet floral to citrus flavoring with a delicate light extra fruitiness. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a fairly decent sessionability about it. The carbonation was somewhat sharp but placed itself on the harshness as it rolled over my tongue. Overall, I say this was a pretty good AIPA well worthy of having again.
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4.27/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Clear gold draft pour with white head. Orange juice nose. Fresh cut grass and hoppy citrus flavor. Resinous tongue coating yet still juicy. I thought strong grassy hops a bit overpowering - still, quite good for this west coast style.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Clear gold draft pour with white head. Orange juice nose. Fresh cut grass and hoppy citrus flavor. Resinous tongue coating yet still juicy. I thought strong grassy hops a bit overpowering - still, quite good for this west coast style.
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4.2/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A fresh can brought back by Jay from Ameristop. Thank you Sir!
L: a very clear, copper color with a thin off white head.
A: Wow, fresh earthy, dank hops punch you right in the nose. Earthy, spicy and a little floral with a small amount of sweet honey-like malt come through.
T: pretty amazing IPA. Puts me in mind of classics like Sucks and Bodhi. Hops hit you then some sweetness followed by a blast of hop bitterness.
F: A bit thin is my only complaint. I wish it had a little more malt to stand up to the hoppiness. Very astringent,dry finish.
O: Really great beer. If I didn't live near Columbus and have Bodhi so close at hand I might seek it out more. A standout in a sea of average IPAs. I definitely enjoyed it though.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A fresh can brought back by Jay from Ameristop. Thank you Sir!
L: a very clear, copper color with a thin off white head.
A: Wow, fresh earthy, dank hops punch you right in the nose. Earthy, spicy and a little floral with a small amount of sweet honey-like malt come through.
T: pretty amazing IPA. Puts me in mind of classics like Sucks and Bodhi. Hops hit you then some sweetness followed by a blast of hop bitterness.
F: A bit thin is my only complaint. I wish it had a little more malt to stand up to the hoppiness. Very astringent,dry finish.
O: Really great beer. If I didn't live near Columbus and have Bodhi so close at hand I might seek it out more. A standout in a sea of average IPAs. I definitely enjoyed it though.
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4.31/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3.83/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
4.21/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
3.74/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Amber golden in color with very lively carbonation. An inch thick head of foam rests on the top. Intense grapefruit like hop aroma greets me and beckons me to taste. Creamy and slightly chalky mouthfeel. The flavor is strong on the grapefruit hop flavor. It intensifies on the back of the palate.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Amber golden in color with very lively carbonation. An inch thick head of foam rests on the top. Intense grapefruit like hop aroma greets me and beckons me to taste. Creamy and slightly chalky mouthfeel. The flavor is strong on the grapefruit hop flavor. It intensifies on the back of the palate.
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4.21/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
not familiar with Dragoon Brewing before tonight (even thought it's from Tucson, AZ), this was served as part of a tasting flight at Whole Foods in a 4 oz. tasting glass...
tonight, I am compaing it with some other IPA's on tap at Whole Foods: Four Peaks Hop Knot IPA, Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, Mother Road Lost Highway Black IPA, and the standard for double IPA's Dogfish Head 90. I will also pour a Stone IPA from a bottle before the evening is over...
color and appearance are a medium honey yellow with a head that settles down to a thin lacey cap
smell is nice, Dragoon uses a single pale caramel malt and hops from the northwest US
taste is similarly balanced, malt and hops do not overwhelm each other, but complement and result in a very pleasant mouthfeel... very easy to drink with a pleasant aftertaste
In my search for the perfect IPA, this one is definitely in the top 20.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
not familiar with Dragoon Brewing before tonight (even thought it's from Tucson, AZ), this was served as part of a tasting flight at Whole Foods in a 4 oz. tasting glass...
tonight, I am compaing it with some other IPA's on tap at Whole Foods: Four Peaks Hop Knot IPA, Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, Mother Road Lost Highway Black IPA, and the standard for double IPA's Dogfish Head 90. I will also pour a Stone IPA from a bottle before the evening is over...
color and appearance are a medium honey yellow with a head that settles down to a thin lacey cap
smell is nice, Dragoon uses a single pale caramel malt and hops from the northwest US
taste is similarly balanced, malt and hops do not overwhelm each other, but complement and result in a very pleasant mouthfeel... very easy to drink with a pleasant aftertaste
In my search for the perfect IPA, this one is definitely in the top 20.
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4.19/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.69/5 rDev +13.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.4/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pint on tap. I agree with deScription, for the most part. Golden yellow color, bright, good lacing, no head. It’s a scuttlebutt, tho. Light aroma, a little grainy. Cheap isn’t the right word, but modest, maybe. Very dry taste, I think I like the creamier, fuller, IPAs I’ve had more than this one. Pilsener drinkers will like this better than me. Not bad, though.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pint on tap. I agree with deScription, for the most part. Golden yellow color, bright, good lacing, no head. It’s a scuttlebutt, tho. Light aroma, a little grainy. Cheap isn’t the right word, but modest, maybe. Very dry taste, I think I like the creamier, fuller, IPAs I’ve had more than this one. Pilsener drinkers will like this better than me. Not bad, though.
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4.54/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Delicious... best brew in AZ?
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Delicious... best brew in AZ?
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3.83/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Solid ipa. On tap at ohso. Very fresh and very drinkable. Orange colour. Medium mouthfeel. On cask dry hopped with dr rudy and 721 at the source is even better.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Solid ipa. On tap at ohso. Very fresh and very drinkable. Orange colour. Medium mouthfeel. On cask dry hopped with dr rudy and 721 at the source is even better.
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4.42/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours golden with minor carbonation, decent foamy head, and minimal lacing. The smell is very good, hoppy soapy nose, citrus/pine, floral. Tastes amazing, ultra fresh and bursting with flavor, very smooth hops, piney dryness/bite, cooling citrus on the back side with an easy finish. This is a superb IPA and especially when fresh, its just loaded with flavor and a great beer, good any time of year especially out by the pool, cheers.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours golden with minor carbonation, decent foamy head, and minimal lacing. The smell is very good, hoppy soapy nose, citrus/pine, floral. Tastes amazing, ultra fresh and bursting with flavor, very smooth hops, piney dryness/bite, cooling citrus on the back side with an easy finish. This is a superb IPA and especially when fresh, its just loaded with flavor and a great beer, good any time of year especially out by the pool, cheers.
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Dragoon IPA from Dragoon Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
89.7% out of
100 with
233 ratings
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
I don't have one in front of me to review right now, but this is a great IPA and I have always been satisfied with it. Tonight (Sept. 21, 2012) they won the "Best Overall Beer" category at the First Tucson Beer Cup and I figured they earned the right of letting people know about it.
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