Dragon Beam Double IPA
Stoneman Brewery

 

Poured from a pint can into an IPA style glass. Body of the beer is clear, light amber in color, with a two fingered off white head. Decent lacing while the beer is consumed. The aroma is hoppy, but not particularly fruity. According to the brewer, this beer is brewed with "Valley Malt's NorthEast grown, Maine Grain Co-op's flaked wheat and a blend of hops including Western Massachusett's own Four Star Farms hops added at the end of the boil, in the whirlpool and dry hopped in the fermenter to create this NorthEast Style IPA focusing on aroma with a low bitterness". It is an accurate description of the taste. The wheat adds a bit of sweetness, and the 8% abv is well incorporated in the taste. Not a hazy New England style DIPA by any stretch. Is this stated 'NorthEast Style IPA' something different? It certainly tasted that way.

Straw colored, clearer than expected, little bit of lace, bright white head.

Smells a touch piney/citrusy, some sweet notes and honestly a bit tough to define maybe a touch of resin/sap also, whatever it is it makes you want to smell and taste more, very aromatic.

Tastes nice and balanced, with a sturdy malt background, not as bitter as some other double IPAs, very tasty. The first thing I picked out was the passion fruit notes, a bit of citrus and pine, not very boozy like some other offerings found in the same category, which I enjoy.

Mouth feel was smooth, nice small bubbles, very crushable.

Overall I would definitely grab another 4 pack if I found one. Pleasantly surprised by this blind buy. Great to see this level of attention to detail and locally sourced ingredients. Great job guys.