ApriHop - Dogfish Head Brewery

TheHophead

Massachusetts

4.31/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Bottle to Glass

This the second time I have had this beer and I still feel the same about it. I like it!

It pours well and retains a nice, thick head. It is not as aromatic as I would like it to be but there are hints of hops and fruit. The taste is where this beer wins. It hits your palette like an IPA but finishes like a fruit beer. The finish is sweet and full as well as refreshing. The medium mouthfeel helps to round out this great offering from Dogfish Head.

This is very different from most IPAs. I think that is why I like it... it is always good to shake things up!

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2013 01:05:28 | More by TheHophead

YieldToNothing

New York

4.53/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle into a pint glass
pours a nice copper color with very little head.
smell is very citrusy, i don't really detect any apricot in the aroma. smells like a typical, good ipa. that apricot is definitely there in the taste though, especially at the back end. decent amount of carbonation.
overall, i really like this...its like a tastier version of the 60 minute ipa in my humble opinion. i could session this, perfect for a spring afternoon.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 19:50:40 | More by YieldToNothing

leokbelo

Florida

3.86/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Semi-clear copper color poured into a pint glass with an inch head fading quickly into a lacing.
Fruity bouquet, with obvious apricots and some grapefruit too. Very refreshing and floral.
Hoppy in the palate, again apricots, though not so obvious as on the nose.
At 7% ABV, you would expect a little stronger brew, but this one seems to mellow it out.
Overall a decent brew. Kudos to DFH for trying something different.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 18:47:10 | More by leokbelo

gcamparone

Rhode Island

3.8/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a DFH pint glass. Purchased at Gasbarros in North Attleboro, MA

A- Pours a rust colored clear body with a huge gushing white head that reduces slowly and leaves uneven lacing.

S- The aroma isn't very strong. I get some hoppy pine, sweetness, caramel, and maybe a little fruity apricot, but not much.

T- Light hoppyness upfront, pine and resin, the aftertaste is somewhat juicy but I'm really not getting much apricot out of this, just a bit on the finish. Tastes like 60 minute.

M- Medium body, medium-low carbonation.

Middle of the road - I wish DFH really incorporated the apricots better. Tastes like a standard pine-forward IPA with a hint of fruit.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 00:03:31 | More by gcamparone

oN3xM

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

A - An amber brown, medium clarity, heavily carbonated ale with a 1.5 inch head of thick white foam that dissipates slowly. Foam sticks to the sides of the glass and a nice swirl in the center of the ale.
S - Very hoppy with some fruity notes.
T - Not as much apricot notes as I was expecting, but they're still present. A nice, thick caramel taste with hints of citrus.
M - A little bit of an alcoholic burn. Very carbonated on the tongue and cheeks. Overall, a nice feel though.
O - I drank this out of a snifter hoping that it would concentrate the smell better than the last 3 bottles I had. I wish the apricot notes were more pronounced, but still a great hoppy ale that I'd buy again.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 02:43:58 | More by oN3xM

JackMcAwesome

Florida

3.73/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from the bottle:

Look: I got a one finger head from an aggressive pour, it dwindled down pretty quickly to a thin ring with some decent lacing. Not the usual that I'm getting used to from DFH, but still alright.

Smell: I was hoping for an 'in your face' whiff of apricot, but I didn't detect much. There was a bit of sweetness, caramel maybe.

Taste: And just like the nose, the apricot isn't that detectable to me. The hops is there, with the malt on the back end, but nothing that distinguishes this from any other.

Feel: Light, with medium carbonation. The standard enjoyment that I have come to expect.

Overall: It was a bit of a let down for me because I've come to expect so much from DFH. With that being said, STILL a good brew that I'll probably revisit when the season comes. I was just hoping for a bit more of the apricot to justify the name. Otherwise, a very good IPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 23:34:40 | More by JackMcAwesome

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.74/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

not as hoppy as its billed, but a nice fruit beer that's not an immediate write off for me. the pour is a nice brassy color with an orange tint, and a finger or two of fading white head. the nose is hoppy, but its more oily and sweet than bitter, more like a 90 minute than a 60, if you follow. the fruit doesn't manifest itself too boldly in the nose, maybe a little jammy sweetness, but in the taste they really come out. its almost like they take the place of the sweetness that usually comes from the malt, its juicy and a little tart too. then the hops kick in, robust and fresh, and give this beer a particular crispness hard to find in fruit beers. overall this leans more toward an ipa than a fruit beer, which makes it a winner for me, but its not as well refined as some of the other dogfish brews. could also stand a little more carbonation to brighten up the feel, it comes across a little heavy to me. still, an interesting and delicious beer that's just right in early spring. drink this cold though, it gets weird as it warms.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 21:14:24 | More by StonedTrippin

ianjsullivan

Maryland

3.86/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

ST: 12oz poured into a pint glass.

A: Bronze with a thick head, white. Clear, fast carbonation.

S: Bubblegum, grapefruit, apricot, some malt.

T: Grapefruit, pine, earthy, malt backbone, hint of apricots.

M: Medium and round.

O: Not for hop heads, Aprihop has pleasant fruit, some bitterness, and a fine bit of malt. Pretty balanced and subtle rather than in your face, it may seem too sweet for those that prefer bitter beers.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 17:53:22 | More by ianjsullivan

Lawl3ss

Texas

3.16/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Chilled 12 oz. bottle into shaker pint. No discernible bottling date.

Look- Deep amber with three fingers of dense soapy head that falls quickly. Minimal lacing.

Smell- Bready, toasty, honey, pear, herbal. Hoppier than anticipated.

Taste- Starts sweet, fruity. IPA roots are evident, if not particularly complex. Finishes lemony, biscuit and citrus zest.

Mouthfeel- Medium-full body, sluggish carbonation. Alcohol is mild but noticeable. Semi-dry finish.

Overall. Fine, I suppose, but I'd prefer an apricot weizen and a solid IPA over two bottles of this. Not something I'll seek out.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 06:30:35 | More by Lawl3ss

kevanb

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

12oz bottle poured into a snifter

The beer pours a dark copper color with medium amber presence, slight chill haze with a few bubbles rising to the top of the glass. A finger of thick, foamy white head rests atop the beer that has moderate retention and leaves a touch of two of spotted lacing behind. The aroma is pleasant, light citrus with some nice apricot and juicy mango fruit that quickly turns sweet with lots of rich grain. The flavors are similar, sticky citrus and piney hops with some lightly sweet fruit, apricot, mango and what tastes like a bit of pineapple that quickly gets very sweet and syrupy with the malt taking over. The body is a bit syrupy and rich, carbonation is slightly on the lower end, it coats the mouth well and finishes with a sweet yet dry kick.

Verdict: A nice fruit forward IPA from Dogfish Head, albeit very sweet. Despite that, I always looks forward to this beer every spring.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 16:35:30 | More by kevanb

themind

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Underrated! this beer has a good apricot aroma and very satisfying taste. I am shocked to see this very drinkable brew is only an 87. At 7% you can still drink multiples and actually still pea in the toilet bowl without hitting the seat. This is one of Dogfish Heads good regulars. If you have never tried this, I recommend doing so. It's a good beer and worth the $7-9 bucks for the four but if your looking for a hop bomb this will not satisfy. The hops are hidden a bit.

Bottom Line: Easy drinking brew worth the pocket change.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 01:55:51 | More by themind

MattSweatshirt

Texas

3.69/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Duvel tulip bringing forth a thick off-white head and a see through body of orange/amber with tons of bubbles racing about.

Grapefruit, pine, apricot, and grass aroma. Gets a little reminiscent of the cat pee smell but not totally there. Fairly hoppy and fruity and not as malty as some of the Dogfish IPA’s can come off.

The malt makes more of a presence in the taste providing some breadiness. Medium bitterness that pops in the beginning and hangs around for a bit. The apricot is there, but not too prevalent. Citrus, pine, and earthy hop flavors.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 00:49:16 | More by MattSweatshirt

zac16125

South Carolina

3.89/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

12oz bottle into a perfect pint glass
Bottled on: 2013H 22:17

A: Pours an absolutely crystal clear light amber color with 1.5 fingers width of slightly off white colored head. Leaves a fair amount of streaky lacing.

S: Pale malt, spicy hops, strong apricot notes (even more so than I anticipated), faint notes of pine.

T: The very first taste that stands out is the apricot (again stronger than I anticipated). There is a vinous, white grape, almost champagne like component. Some piney bitterness on the finish. A bit of citrus rind. Pretty tasty.

M/D: Light, crisp, moderately high carbonation. Drinkability is very good.

O: Overall, good but not great. Its something Id drink again, but no where near my favorite IPA or my favorite DFH offerings.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 23:36:30 | More by zac16125

kangarooAdam59

Maine

4.09/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanx Damian74Shensky:

Into a pint glass:

A: red/amber colored body with a one finger white foamy head and leaves some nice speckled lacing

S: light hops, citrus, pine and apricots

T: sweet and fruity with a decent amout of malts settling in on the background, fruity aftertaste and finish

M: light to medium, sessionable, ABV was not felt

O: what a nice AIPA that seems a bit different than the rest, I like it and would have it again

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 17:06:54 | More by kangarooAdam59

ThickNStout

Georgia

3.3/5  rDev -14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

12oz bottle from Hop City (Atlanta, GA). 8.99/ 4-pack. Bottled 2013A. Served in a pint glass.

Pours clear gold with one full finger of pale head that leaves plenty of lace.

Smells earthy and musty with light piney hops and a little sweet fruit.

Taste is earthy like the aroma with piney hops, citrus, dried apricot and a little caramel.

Medium light feel with moderate carbonation. Semisweet, bitter finish.

Not bad but not outstanding. With so many other great IPAs available I don't think this is one I'll be revisiting.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 05:09:46 | More by ThickNStout

lsummers

California

3.9/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours an amber orange with an egg white one finger head. Very pleasing appearance.

Smell of piney hops with some grapefruit. Might just be my imagination but I do notice some apricot notes.

Taste hits right away with some hoppy piney grapefruit that transitions quickly to some malty apricot notes. Overall a highly fruity ipa. Apricots are very apparent in the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is balanced, smooth and delicate.

Overall, for me this was a great offering for an apricot ipa. Other comparable styles haven't stacked up.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 04:06:32 | More by lsummers

Braz

Washington

3.63/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Purchased at Top Foods. Poured a copper ruby color with a pure white head. Nice potent aroma. Very hoppy and citrusy. Didn't really get the apricot but perhaps a touch. Flavor surprised me. I definately get the apricot in the flavor. The hops are kind of light and more of an aftertaste. Body is good but a bit flat. This is enjoyable but I think my expectations may have been too high.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 03:15:08 | More by Braz

nquigley16

Massachusetts

4.21/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a bottle into a Lagunitas jar glass.

Pours a dark copper with a plain white head, the carbonation is not all that fine though. Leaves little to no lacing. Pretty simple aroma, some alcohol notes, not really too much hops on the nose, and maybe a little maltiness. The apricot is coming through only a tiny bit. Pretty weird nose for an ipa. The taste starts sweet and slightly boozy, but ends really nice with some hopiness and significant apricot in the after taste. The alcohol is at a very nice level where it is noticeable and contributes to the taste significantly, but is definitely not too high. Clocks in at 7%. Nice mouthfeel, smooth and the carbonation is at a good level for an ipa.

Overall a real good beer. The apricot flavor really isn't too noticeable when the beer is cold though, it definitely needs to warm up to get the full flavor profile. I've been drinking them at room temperature.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 23:05:19 | More by nquigley16

robhbest

Michigan

4.03/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured into tulip glass.

A: Pours a clear copper color, nice big white head with good retention on top.

S: Sweet apricots, a little maltiness.

T: Exceptionally smooth, apricots, pine, citrus fruits all come together. Just enough bitterness to balance the malt without being over bitter. Hard to believe its 7%.

M: Medium to full bodied, great carbonation.

O: I didn't expect much from this beer, I expected it to be one sided but that was not the case at all. The hops paired with the apricots quite well and was a well balanced beer for my palate. I'd definitely buy some again if not for me but something that may convert my girlfriend into craft beers.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 02:14:27 | More by robhbest

CHADMC3

Connecticut

3.78/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Pours more of a copper colored body than one would expect from the style, beneath the foamy, off-white head which slowly dissolves to leave a scattered sticky lacing.

The aroma is almost exclusively of sweet fruit and citrus hops. There is already notice of the tart/sweet apricot to follow.

The apricot really comes out in the taste with a more subtle hop presence. There does seem to be a fairly generous malty backbone to assist which seems like a traditional Munich type malt.

Medium carbonation and fuller in body than expected with a semi-tart, semi-sweet finish.

A respectable brew which is certainly highlighted by the apricot which is quite tasty and refreshing but I would like to see slightly more citrus hops for more of a bite to offset the tart.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 00:34:27 | More by CHADMC3

80x2HopHead

Vermont

4/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I first must comment on the well apricot nature of the brew- the color reminds me of apricots, however I suppose many IPAs do. As far as the smell is concerned, the apricots are not overbearing at all, rather the apricots and hops blend nicely for a damn good nose job. I would consider the hops to be citrusy, but more mild as compared to some other IPAs. The taste is remarkably similar to the smell, more or less perfectly balanced citrusy hop profile and a smooth apricot flavor. I would not at all consider this to be a "fruity" beer like some others I have tried (UFO raspberry or a blue moon orange- nasty shit)- it certainly retains its IPA qualities with citrusy hops however not too bitter on the whole (but I think the bitterness is perfect for balancing out the sweet apricot). The apricot is well incorporated and doesnt take away from the IPA qualities. The malty character did add some sweetness, but not to the point of taking away from the hops characteristics. I cant say I noticed much of a boozy taste what so ever although the ABV clocks in at 7%. On the whole the apricot is there to back up the hops not the other way around and for this reason I would certainly pick up this brew again even though I generally always prefer my IPAs in true form.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 04:48:43 | More by 80x2HopHead

CloudStrife

New York

3.86/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a tulip. Bottled on 2013A .

A: Pours a darkish amber with a dense 1.5 finger white head. A decent amount of visible carbonation, fairly small bubbles. Spots of lacing on the sides of the glass.

S: Good hop freshness to this, a citrus mango from the amarillo compliments the apricot chilling out in the background. A bit of malt sweetness in there too.

T: Apricots come through more on the flavor than I was expecting from the aroma, taking the front end of the beer by storm. Hops come through mid sip, there is a bit of sweetness at the end.

M: Pretty light on the tongue. Nice and carbonated. Just a bit sticky on the tail end but that doesnt really detract from the brew.

Overall a creative approach on an American IPA. The apricot works well with the hops and although I personally am not much of an apricot fan this one is tasty.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 22:39:32 | More by CloudStrife

justintcoons

Pennsylvania

3.64/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a tulip pint.

Appearance
Amber with 2-3 fingers of fluffy, off-white head. Excellent clarity and retention. Moderate carbonation.

Nose
Mango, apricot, grapefruit juice and caramel.

Taste
Tangy apricot juice along with notes of mango and pineapple. Grapefruit juice, (too) sweet candy sugars and a very earthy hop presence. Finishes with hints of grapefruit zest.

Mouthfeel
Medium bodied, crisp and dry.

Overall
Always weird and yet I still buy it every year. I guess it's sort of interesting...

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 13:56:11 | More by justintcoons

Thurgoft

Illinois

3.69/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

12oz bottle poured into a Duvel Tulip

A: Pours a very pretty, crystal clear orange-copper with a cream white head. Head dissipates pretty quickly on this one, with just a touch of lacing. 4.5

S: Delicious smell on this beer. Citrus fruits, strong orange, lemon, a bit of bitter grapefuit. Maybe a touch of mango though just a bit. And of course apricots! Though its very deftly done: hard to tell where the apricots end and the hops begin. Both take center stage with this one (truth in advertising?) 4

T: Pretty big bitterness up front with some tart citrusy fruitiness and apricot flavors. Also picking up a little funky dried apricot tast as well. Finishes long with straight up bitterness and a slight suggestion of apricot.3.5

M: Slightly heavy on the tongue with a touch of viscosity. Light carbonation. 3.5

O: Second time having this beer, first time reviewing. Quite liked it this time around whereas the first time was a little lackluster. Really refreshing and pretty drinkable but I'm left wanting just a bit more apricot flavor. Maybe thats because the amount that I got was so damned good! 3.75

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 07:38:10 | More by Thurgoft

MCain04

Illinois

4.29/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12 oz bottle, $9.99/4pack, poured into a Spiegelau tulip snifter.

A: Deep amber-red clear body, 2 finger cream colored head with some decent retention, not a lot of lacing.

S: Smells similar to the DFH 60 with noticable citrus hops and floral grassy notes, plus some apricot notes that are far from overwhelming.

T: Clean and hoppy up front, well-balanced, the apricot is subdued at first taste but makes its presence known towards the finish with some nice lingering flavors. Mild bitterness.

M: Light to medium body, crisp and well-carbonated, modestly dry finish.

O: I'm a fan of this offering, the apricot lends nicely to the base IPA. A little too pricey to enjoy frequently but I'm happy to drink it whenever offered to me.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 00:29:18 | More by MCain04