New Beer Weekend #45

Double your pleasure, double your fun!?!

Do you remember that line from the Wrigley’s Doublemint gum jingle?

I saw a new beer at my local Wegmans supermarket of Victory DDH DirtWolf DIPA. I suppose we could categorize this as a Double D beer as in being Double Dry Hopped plus a Double IPA.

I presumed this to be a DirtWolf but with the added aspect of the noted DDH (Double Dry Hopped). I was a bit surprised to learn that there is more to this new beer than simply a dry hopping process change. Below is how DDH DirtWolf is detailed on the Victory website:

“DDH DirtWolf

Double Dry-Hopped DIPA

Victory Small Batch Series

abv: 9.6%

ibu: 50

malt: Pilsen, Carahell

hops: Strata, Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic”

In contrast below are the details for the ‘regular’ DirtWolf beer”

“DirtWolf

Double IPA

UNTAMED HOWLING HOP FLAVOR

abv: 8.7%

ibu: 85

malt: Pilsner, Pale Crystal

hops: Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, Chinook”

So, as can be easily discerned from the above there is quite a difference between DDH DirtWolf and the ‘regular’ DirtWolf:

· DDH DirtWolf has a bit more alcohol at 9.6% vs. 8.7%

· Quite a difference in IBUs at 50 for DDH vs. 85 for the ‘regular’ beer

· Different malt bill but not a drastic difference IMO

· DDH DirtWolf includes Strata hops as the ‘fourth’ hop vs. Chinook for the ‘regular’ beer

Given the differences listed above I am not just expecting this to be a ‘regular’ DirtWolf with a bit more aroma oomph from a double dry hopping process. I am expecting it to be quite a different beer. This would be a good opportunity to conduct a side-by-side but I do not have a ‘regular’ DirtWolf on hand so…

I also took note on the can’s graphics quite a story about the concept of “Small Batch Series”. I was heretofore unaware of this project by Victory Brewing. Below is how this is described on the Victory website:

“Our Brewmasters have been developing and refining the best craft beers for our fans since 1996. This Limited Small Batch Series showcases the expertise we've built and paves the way for the road ahead. Onward to Victory! Once they're gone, they're gone…”

On the can it lists “No. 0002”. I suppose there means there was a previous Small Batch Series beer of No. 0001 which I am guessing is the brand Imperial Cloud Walker Double Hazy Juicy IPA. Given the fact they are using four digits to detail the series number they seem to plan for to do this up to batch 9999?

Well, all of this ‘talking’ has built up a powerful thirst and lucky for me this beer promises to be a powerful beer – let’s drink!

Served in my Spiegelau IPA glass:

Appearance:

Golden colored with a BIG white head.

Aroma:

There is a vibrant hop aroma of fruity and almost candy-like.

Taste:

The flavor mostly follows the nose with fruity/candy but there is also some citrus and even a tiny hint of pine. There is a medium bitterness.

Mouthfeel:

Medium bodied with an off-dry finish.

Overall:

This beer is pretty good. It is very fruit (candy) forward. I think this beer would have benefitted from more complexity in the flavor profile. It also could have used more bitterness IMO.

Cheers!

P.S. For those of you who may be wondering about the name of DirtWolf:

“Darkly heroic, Humulus Lupulus (hops) have empowered brews with bite and character since the 11th century. DirtWolf is a tribute to these untamed vines which rise from the earth with the voracity of a “wolf among sheep.” Hops have made an assertive comeback in American craft brewing. Revel in the best U.S. varieties of hops, in their natural, whole flower form, as they bring a vital, pungent reality to the soul of a wild element in our dangerously satisfying DirtWolf Double IPA.”

@rotsaruch @KOP_Beer_OUtlet @RobH

 

Thanks for getting us started on this 3 day NBW Andrew. This for me is NH finest brewery. Poured into a 16 Snulip glass canned 5/25/21. Pours a very unusual murky dark yellow pink, with a 2 plus finger sticky yellow head that leaves all kinds of left over sediment with excellent retention. 4.25

Aroma pineapple, coconut, guava, mango, and vanilla. 4.5

Taste pineapple, coconut, guava, mango, and vanilla like a fruit smoothie. 4.5

Mouthfeel is big, soft gentle carbonation, a little sticky but not dry, and at 5.8% ABV no alcohol detected and drinks bigger but goes down very easy. 4.25

Overall this is really tasty and a must try if you get a chance. 4.25 Cheers all and please remember the true meaning of this 3 day weekend.

 

Thank you @Roguer for kicking things off this three day weekend! I will stay local this weekend, and will plan for unexpected Monday new beers, either via trip to a brewery or a beer from my current stock.

I am starting off with an Dry Irish Stout.

Hopewell Next Round



Brewer Note: No canned date, but released 2/26/21 per social media. Purchased as a single can from Binny's orphan rack, refrigerated since rescue.

Can Notes: 4.2% ABV, 16 oz. NEXT ROUND is an Irish-style Stout with a classically dry and roasty flavor profile. Malt-forward and easy-drinking with notes of fresh coffee, bitter chocolate and toasted bread.

Appearance: Pours Very dark brown/black, creamy tan head leaves soap lacing and generous head which lingers for a few minutes before leaving a nice coating over the base. Looks good. 4.0

Aroma: Minty dark chocolate and roast malt primary, backed by a strong roast coffee. A nice beer replica of a Baileys and Coffee. 4.25

Taste: Consistent with aroma, roast malt and a bitter dark chocolate lead once again. Coffee and mint back well. Hasn't faded three months after canning. Yummy. 4.25

Mouthfeel: Dry and somewhat bitter, creamy medium body, light fizzy carbonation holds throughout. Chocolate sweetness emerges with some sips, but subdued by the hop profile. Light dry, easy morning drinking beer. 4.0

Overall: This beer is in my wheel house, light and easy but full of wonderful flavor and bitterness. Highly recommend and need to pick up more of these next Spring and more in general from Hopewell Brewing. 4.25

Beer tasting powered by Asia "Only Time Will Tell" and Graham Parker's "Temporary Beauty" via WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback (1982).

 

Pie Happy by The Bruery

this is an old ale which reminds me of a cross between a brown ale , not a style I am a huge fan of , and a barley wine, a style I like



4.49/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5



Bomber received from @colts9016 in Bif13


Appearance
Fizzy three finger taupe foam cap settles to a thin layer over a deep cola brown liquid , translucent with occasional carbonation bubbles. Would have preferred a longer lasting head

Aroma
Very fragrant on the pour . Aroma is apple, cinnamon , nutmeg, vanilla , whiff of bourbon

Taste
Taste is crisp apple , cinnamon , nutmeg , vanilla …it’s as described , apple pie in a glass. Sweet. fruity, vinous, intense malt flavors, mincemeat .

Mouthfeel
Medium sudsing, some body to to the liquid, cinnamon notes , the 16.5%abv is deceptively well hidden but creeps up on you and “wham” you soon realize there is a considerable punch in this glass

overall
Good beer . Opened on a cold , rainy spring memorial day weekend weekend . Plenty of character in this glass. Mom, country, apple pie …..I’d recommend this as a great thanksgiving dessert beer.

thanks Jammin

 

Eeek! That beer scores a 4.25 on looks for you? As ugly as that sucker is, I'd be giving it a 1. Oh well, as long as you're liking it. Cheers!

 

Greetings NBSers! A pleasant and warm Saturday morning here in the Fourth Corner. Starting off my beer day with new brew from over in Hop Country USA, Yakima WA. Single Hill Brewing has released Chook Sanger, an "Import IPA" in collaboration with Yakima Valley Hops, and features Eclipse, Enigma, and Vic Secret hops, all from Australia. The blend didn't really work for me: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/55446/551594/

 

I'm reviewing this beer today as well, along with Nemesis from Founders.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

 

I have to say that is one ugly-appearing beer. Good thing it tastes so great!
Like you, Tim, I would consider Deciduous to be one of the finer breweries of New Hampshire.

 

I passed on this the other day, but given your review will buy it next beer trip.

 

When you're retired, every weekend is a three day weekend!
I was up early to walk the dogs. Now that daytime highs are in the 90s I want to get the walking done before the dogs and I get cooked.
Not much going on today. The puppy has "school" today. He's been a great student the first two classes. Tomorrow we are going to the movies for the first time in forever, to see A Quiet Place part 2.
My wife visited her parents last week. When I picked her up at the airport, I noticed that Total Wine was just five miles away. They happened to have a good supply of Willetized, so I picked up a couple 4 packs. Great decision.
The beer is black with a tan head that lasts forever. There is a little bit of lace.
Aroma of bourbon, chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.
Taste of bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla. Maybe a hint of coffee.
A big beer with a lot of depth. Would never have guessed the ABV of 13%.

 

3 new to BA and to me DIPAs for rainy Memorial Day 2021

Hang the DJ | Carton | 10.5% | Atlantic Highlands NJ
4.3/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
1st Review. Carton on a roll.
a) Pear colored Nectar honey body with foamy pollen head and lace.
s) Floral, Mango, peach, orchard, blossoms, white wine.
t) follows aroma, nice see-saw from the fruit salad to peppery spicey finale.
f) creamy, sharp, hides ABV well, jammy and flavor-packed.
o) jazz.

Liquid Poem | Stone | 9.4% | San Diego CA
4.2/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
12th review. Candied, marmalade, bitter DIPA, pine and candied rind.
a) Totally clear golden amber, with 1 finger head that laces bits.
s) Marmlade strewn with sharp pine, almost woodshop sap. 4 Cs in evidence!
t) Big hops, challenges your senses, caramel adds to the marmalade sharp, rindy bliss.
f) Sticky, velvety, good thickness.
o) Agree it’s close to Ruination. piercing, potent, power pour. Sum greater than parts.

Twin Outboard Whaler | Carton | 8.5% | Atlantic Highlands NJ
4.2/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
1st Review. This is what WHALER should be. Perfected in DIPA. At the brewer and drove 4 home.
a) Slashing foam like a twin outboard, lasting head over turbid body.
s) Adds dimensions of grass, hemp, wood to the fruity NE IPA classic.
t) Enjoying the hempy, grassy, woody notes.
f) Mineral, wine-like, astringent, bitter overcomes the fruit as it should.
o) Test drive blind vs other NE DIPAs.

 

12 oz can. Pours a slightly hazy pale straw, fluffy white head.

Nose includes bread-like malt and a leafy hop note.

Flavor begins with a mild bittering hop presence, the malt counters pleasantly throughout. Simple profile, but nicely done. Clean, crisp finish.

It’s a simple beer, but it’s well executed and quite refreshing. This brew fits into a lot of situations. Perfect for this time of year.

 

Indeed. It relates to a personal feeling brought out by sensory stimulation. In a way it is good for those of us who love great variety in things that this experience can be so different for so many people. If beauty were experienced the same way for everyone, what a boring world it would be, and how few beer styles there would be.

 

New beer and a new beer from a brewery I never had a beer from before.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48720/551566/?ba=morimech#review
Not to be confused with the rated Russian River sour, but this sour from extreme NW MN was impressive.