New England DIPA Showdown

I actually took a break from purchasing in the Fall due to consistency issues. However I gave CD another try with 2 different batches in February and they were both outstanding. So I am at the point where I'll buy with confidence going forward.

 

I liked them both pretty well, I just think Heady Topper is in the big leagues and there are a couple of other brewery's DIPA's I have had that I would put in that class as well, but Captain's Daughter is not exactly there, its very good though. Maybe Grey Sail can tweak their recipe's a little bit and create one that is, they are very close. I also think the 12 oz can in four packs hurts them too, go ahead and put them in the 16 oz cans like the rest, I think that would help its reputation!

 

I should note that with Heady Topper:
1. They don't date so unless you picked it up yourself or really trust the source, you don't really know how fresh it is.
2. There IS a ton of variation, not just batch to batch, but can to can. It's unfortunate and I make no excuses for the Alchemist, but when when you do get a good can, it's a hell of a beer and a total hop bomb (still fairly malty, but those hops just explode).

 

It's absent from my list because I've never tried it. I've heard great things about Foundation, but have yet to have more than 1 or 2 of their beers. Judging by the reviews on this site, it's probably similar to Captain's Daughter in the taste department.

 

I had captains daughter for the first time a few weeks ago. It must have been a great batch, because it was outstanding and bursting with tropical fruits. Right up there with Heady if you like that flavor profile.

 

As I understand it, that one is going to year-round status. They killed it on that one so I was super glad to hear it.

 

While I like them both, I can see where you are going with this. My preference is Heady but that is because I prefer the more rounded, balanced approach. You don't get that with CD (which is what you seem to prefer). So, your reviews make great sense. Get up to Trillium if you can and try some of there hoppy offerings.... they are fantastic as well. Hell, lots of options around here. Even in RI, the new King of the Yahd hop profile isn't too bad (although still not nearly as good as CD).

 

Nothing like Captains Daughter- completely different hop profile that is unique, along with malts same deal. I know the beer is being produced in limited quantities but expanding. I got this from my brother in Maine

 

Proclamation is making the best beer in RI right now. CD is good when it's not laced with butterscotch. Being good has happened for me fewer times than getting bad cans. I've written the beer off.

 

I believe there a seperate section of BA for people to post their reviews...

 

while I mostly agree with you. I once held heady as the standard for judging ipas. Youll soon learn that this method will lead you to not liking other IPA's for what they are, or just in general much less than you should.

Heady rules all for me in the DIPA category.. Just cant hold it as the benchmark

 

I'll have to try it the next time I'm up in Portland.

 

Rhode Island has great beer, bars, wonderful restaurants and beaches. The roads suck.

 

Well one of those things is true.

 

Providence near the mall is the perfect place to teach a new driver how to drive on a highway.

 

Bust a tire here? You'll see your $ in August.....if you're lucky

 

You'll have it as soon as I can send some out!

 

Take your time, I got plenty of Medicine. I don't think I'm going to die any time soon...I hope.

 

Haven't had Captain's Daughter yet but wouldn't put Heady at the top of the list IMO. I think some of Lawson's beers are way above Heady and well I'll push the Dinner bell and say they are one of the best IMO.

 

Just picked up two 4 packs of CD last night, has a bizarre aroma, but the taste profile is amazing…bursting with hops!