Founders Devil Dancer - what's the deal?

This is the answer. Different beasts. I've never had Devil Dancer, but I don't think I'm all that intrigued by it, especially for the price. Maybe I'll grab a single or something just to try it, but not really crazy about a 4 pack.

Oh, and @tkdchampxi - I dk where you are in NJ, but I saw it at Liquor Outlet in Boonton yesterday - pretty sure it was 19.99. Still high, but less than what you saw it for.

 

You may think that they need to get rid of it, obviously (and thankfully ) Founders does not agree. Both KBS and DD are in their "Limited" (highest) price tier, along with Harvest Ale and now Backwoods Bastard.

It's not much more expensive than the beers I find most comparable- Stone OG and Double Bastard (at $8-9/650mL) and in line with plenty of $10/650-750mL barleywine/strongs I've tried. As I said in an earlier post, it also tastes much juicier and hoppier than those to me, both fresh and down the road.

I'm sure there are more than a few people, who like me, bought as much as possible. Straight (i.e. not barrel aged) strongs/barleywines aren't the most popular style, but the fans all seem to be BIG fans.

 

I'm curious if the people that thought dd was "oniony" drank it from the tap or the bottle. Haven't had it from the bottle yet but I have had it on draft and thought it was tasty. Then again, at $20 per 4 pk, I might never try it from the bottle.

 

If Devil Dancer is $13 for a four pack in your neck of the woods then someone is losing money with every four pack. It costs retailers about $15 per four pack.

 

Like I said above, it costs retailers about $15 a four pack so any store selling it for less than that is losing money with each transaction. My guess is that they (the store that had it priced so low) priced it like they would Breakfast Stout or Rubaeus, thinking it was just another Founders seasonal.

 

Oh yeah, there's no denying Devil Dancer has a following behind it. As you can tell I'm definitely not one of those people haha. I'm not sure what you pay for a 4-pack in your area, but with tax I'm paying almost 25 bucks for a 4-pack in my area for a beer that's just plain-old good (in my opinion). Saying that Founders should get rid of it was a bit of a stretch, but for the price I have to pay I'd like a TIPA that completely blows me out of the water.

Then again, all taste buds are different, so I have no reason to say it's not worth it or it's not good. Like you said, the fans are BIG fans. I saw a dude almost have a panic attack when he found out it wasn't going to be coming this year to the bottle shop I go to. If it was 16-17 bucks I'd have no problem giving it a shot every year, because maybe I'd have a "WOW" moment, but the price it is around here isn't wowing me at all.

 

I believe it's $20/4 pack around me, I'll pass at that price. I see some people offering it up as trade bait, is this not readily available elsewhere? Sits on the shelves for most of the year near me.

 

Saw it today in Western Mass for $22.49 or so a 4 pack. I bought a 4 pack of KBS for the same price.

 

I have not enjoyed devil dancer fresh. I did age a bottle for about a year and did like it quite a bit more. Fresh, it was too boozy. I think I agree with HRamz3 as IMHO it reminds me of 120. I just like 120 a lot more.

 

Devil Dancer seems a little outdated to me.

 

I've liked this year's Devil Dancer quite a bit. And while it has a strong malt backbone, I would definitely not call it overly sweet. I do think those comparing it to DFH 120 minute are on the right track.

As for cost; while it is expensive, it's certainly still a good deal cheaper by the ounce than a lot of the 750ml bottles that many members on this site have no problem shelling out for.

 

Not worth it, yup, drink Dirtwolf instead.

 

I'm a fan, but would gladly shoot you a 2013 and 2014 if you want. send me a PM.

 

Do you genuinely think the two are comparable flavor-wise?

 

Actually Backwoods Bastard and Harvest Ale are in a cheaper tier, alongside Imperial Stout and the like. On tap, BB is priced about the same as KBS, while Harvest is priced with Imperial Stout and Rubæüs. This, of course, is subject to change based on what retailers decide to charge.

 

No, but I've had DD ever since it's been available in my state, and for price to flavor, I'd go DW. If you like DD, go for it, I just think it sux; fresh or aged. 'Specially for the price.

 

As far as "triple" IPA's go (IMO Barleywines) this falls in the bottom of the pack of the few I've had, behind Knee Deep Simtra, 120 minute, Sixpoint Hi Res, and Green Flash Green Bullet. That's not to say it's bad, just not a beer I will go out of my way to drink.

 

As much as I wish this were true..


Harvest and BB have been a little cheaper in the past, but unfortunately that is a thing of the past.

Exactly, so why say "Not worth it. Drink DW"?

Like I've said a couple of times, I really enjoy it. It's about $20 more per case than Stone Old Guardian and Double Bastard (less than $1 more per 12oz) and as much as I enjoy those two, I really enjoy Devil Dancer and gladly pay for that juicy dry-hop. Of course I wish it were cheaper, but then I'd have to worry even more about people like me buying up multiple cases Cheers

 

Picking some up this weekend. Should be interesting.

 

I thought it was decent, and was happy to be able to find it compared to a lot of other hyped beers these days.