ApriHop - Dogfish Head Brewery

sharlie

Michigan

3.24/5  rDev -15.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This is a great IPA. It's coloring is similar to caramel, it is dark and rich. The apricot aroma breaks though that of the hops. The flavor was overwhelming to me and I did not like it as much as other Pale Ales that I have tried. It has a long aftertaste which also to me was unappealing.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 12:19:53 | More by sharlie

Apellonious

North Carolina

3.89/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle out of 4-pack from Frougle's

A - Ruby red with a two finger head and decent retention.

S - Bread, grass, grapefruit

T - More of what appeared in the smell. Very malty and bready for an IPA. A semi sweet, if slightly bitter aftertaste. As it warms, you get more of the apricot and a tinge of alcohol on the finish.

M - Just the right amount of heft vs water. Carbonation is spot on.

O - A flavorful IPA with a more fruity and malty presence than what is considered standard for the style.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 00:16:27 | More by Apellonious

Bauzen

New York

3.81/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Basically, it's a sweet, fruity beer more than an IPA. The hops are present, but very mild and they fade away beyond the first few sips. All you're left with is sugar from the apricot, grapefruit, and apple notes.

It's a much milder beer than than the ABV suggests. I don't believe it's actually as high as the label suggests.

Really easy-going beer, certainly doesn't demand too much of your attention, nor does it challenge your pallet.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2013 15:25:55 | More by Bauzen

BlurryVisi0n

New York

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

Served in a signature DFH pint glass.

Appearance: Has your typical classic amber look to it with a straight white head rising pretty high to well above a finger's length above the body.

Smell: Heavy hops and plus fruit, before taking a sip you can tell it has some sweetness to it.

Taste: This beer is special, hard raw hop taste to it. The apricot is there creating subtle sweetness to it. This definitely is not for everyone but worth taking a look at.

Mouth: Medium to full carbonation on the body, little sweet and sour in the end.

Overall: It's been years since I last had a glass of Aprihop and decided to give this beer some respect. Good beer, is it worth drinking over and over again that's up to you. Not a lot of fruit infused IPAs out there, and what I like most is that this is less fruit more IPA. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2013 23:50:11 | More by BlurryVisi0n

atr2605

New York

3.74/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-pours a red amber color with an off white head with decent retention
S-apricot, malt, hops are fairly subdued
T-very well balanced sweet malt profile with a hop bitterness followed by the apricot and finishes with more hops in the finish
M-medium bodied
O-very well balanced ipa and apricot characteristic. The characteristics are a bit muddied, but overall a very enjoyable brew

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2013 00:53:52 | More by atr2605

ironchefmiyagi13

New York

3.94/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at the Mirabelle Tavern in Stony Brook. I started off on the right foot with Dogfish Head and have since developed a love/hate relationship with them. I thought I would give them another chance with this brew and glad that I did.

Great in all departments. The apricots are only present in the finish and give a pleasant aftertaste and do not make the brew sweet at all. Hops also help to cut those residual sugars to make it a balanced IPA with a little funk to it.

Great for the warmer days comin up. A definite summer time choice.

Serving type: on-tap

04-26-2013 00:05:37 | More by ironchefmiyagi13

Catherine8189

Michigan

3.4/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Beautifully colored IPA. Dark, rich caramel hue is beautiful and very inviting. The apricots break through the hop aroma. Flavor maybe a little overwhelming for those who Indian Pale Ales are not their first or second choice for beer styles. The mouthfeel is medium, with a long lasting after taste. Overall not too strong after the whole experience is taken in. A beer that I would drink again, but only once in awhile.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 22:13:50 | More by Catherine8189

Dave1999

Virginia

3.7/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

Pours a transparent red, with a white head.

The smell is piney hops,some grapefruit and a little spicyness.

The taste is bitter with a weak aftertaste. Upfront there is a little fruitiness from the apricots but like I already said it finishes weak.

The mouthfeel is pretty full for an ipa with low carbonation, pretty smooth.

Overall it's not a terrible beer but I'll just stick with 60 or 90 minutes.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 22:46:47 | More by Dave1999

mjc3151

Illinois

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

A - lots of head, golden brown color, clear

S - smells like hops and apricot

T - can definitely taste the apricot initially, then afterwards there is a lingering hop bitterness in the mouth. apricot not overpowering.

M - medium carbonation, medium thickness on the tongue

O - overall this is a solid IPA, and I like how the apricot is not overpowering. It is very balanced, which is always a good thing.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 22:02:55 | More by mjc3151

FremontBar

Arizona

3.86/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

A: Beautiful copper orange color, just did this beer in an IPA tasting and definitely stuck out of the line-up.
S: I get apricots right away, then citrus fruit, but also some grassy undertones
T: Starts off citrusy and bitter but malts and sweetness are present and balance it out. Hints of apricot are in there but for me there is a lot more hop bitterness than hop flavor and there is a lingering bitterness that I do not find enjoyable.
M: Medium body and carbonation.
O: Obviously I didn't come in expecting a normal IPA but this just didn't do it for me. Will not drink again and at the IPA tasting I did this was the least favorite of the five.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 01:06:52 | More by FremontBar

admccabe

Pennsylvania

4.29/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A- Didn't pour it out into a glass, had it in the bottle. Typical Dogfish Head bottle, quality looking.
S- Fruity, smelled like apricots/peaches
T- Obvious taste of apriocots, hops, and something like marijuana
M- Hoppy aftertaste, fruitiness fades before the hops
O- I really love this beer, its an IPA that stands out due to its fruitiness. It combines the two elements really well and one doesn't really overpower the other.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 20:11:38 | More by admccabe

bendern

Florida

3.95/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Bottle to tulip.

Appearance - Pours a medium-clear copper/orangeish color with a two finger white head. Leaves spiderweb lacing all down the glass. Head sticks around for some time. Appearance is probably the nicest part of this beer.

Smell - Pine, citrus, grapefruit, possibly orange. Subtle hints of apricot, but it's not at the forefront. Moderate hop aroma.

Taste - there are moderate flavors of hops and other citrus notes right up front with subtle sweet malt and caramel notes. A bit bitter, but not nearly as bitter as most other IPAs, or at least fruit notes partially mask it. Subtle apricot notes through the middle and finish. Overall, a fine tasting IPA.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied. Medium carbonation. Refreshing.

Overall - A decent seasonal pickup that I wouldn't mind purchasing a few packs through the season's length. It's a refreshing IPA that doesn't stray far from the style and adds a little more fruit character than is typically found. This is the first year I've tried it and I will be picking it up again, probably before the release is over.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2013 06:25:05 | More by bendern

barczar

Kentucky

3.78/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a brilliant deep amber with a frothy 2 inch cream head that lingers. Eventually leaves thick sheets of foam on the glass.

Herbal, tea-like hops, toasted malt, and apricots form the initial aroma. Fairly earthy notes meld with onion and slightly burnt caramel. But that herbal quality dominates.

Apricot dominates the flavor initially, with earthy hops giving impressions of fruit pits. There's an onion presence that's subtle mid palate, and the profile becomes a touch bitter and resiny into the finish. Malt character provides support, but is easily dominated by apricot. Bitterness becomes more pronounced in the aftertaste. Malt sweetness is a touch cloying.

Body is moderate, with carbonation to match, and significant alcohol warmth.

Fairly earthy hop flavors, herbal aromas, with apricots stealing the show. Not overly bitter, with good malt support. But apricot is slightly overpowering for my liking.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2013 00:53:42 | More by barczar

tectactoe

Michigan

3.4/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep and rustic copper color with some glaring ruby hints when held up to the light. Exceptional clarity, especially considering the relatively dark hue of the beer. A somewhat soapy looking, beige-tinted head is quick to settle to a skin no more than an eighth-inch high, not much lacing left behind on the glass. I really do love the color and clarity of this beer.

Too bad the aroma isn't as wonderful as the color. Sure, there's some apricot here. A little bit. Kind of a "sweet" apricot flavor. I'd like to open up and enjoy this fruity goodness a bit more, but unfortunately I keep getting distracted by the heavy weediness of the hop bill. Extremely grassy, weedy, and dirt-laden hop notes jump in and take away from the beauty of the apricots. The caramel malt is barely detectable in the finish - again, thanks to the overbearing and mildly unpleasant hop abrasion.

Fortunately the taste is a bit better and doesn't contain quite so much of that weed-like character (and I mean "weed" as in "garden weeds" not "dank nugs"). Apricot hits up front with a very small rush of tartness that quickly forms into a softer sweetness. Something goes a little awry during the transition, however, as the aftertaste contains a slightly medicinal and chalky vibe with the leftover apricot flavor - think similar to a chewed up Flintstones vitamin.

The hops are a little more leafy and vibrant as the beer warms up - anything to take away from the hops' first impression is a plus (well, except for maybe the chewed up vitamin flavors). Not too bitter considering it's an IPA, and the 7% ABV goes completely unnoticed, which is also a plus. Sweet malts account for much of the finish, as well as some of the fading, medicinal apricot. Thin-medium bodied with a hefty dose of carbonation giving a slick and somewhat crisp mouth feel.

I was expecting a little more from this, although in the past, I've been kind of let down by DFH's fruit-infused beers. Apricots must hard to pull off in beers of the "non-sour" variety, as many of them contain that same medicinal, chalky flavor in the finish. Surprisingly enough, that wasn't my biggest complain here. What was up with that dirty aroma? All in all, something I put down quite easily, but probably wouldn't have again.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 16:38:00 | More by tectactoe

jpavlicek1

Michigan

3.74/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Totally enjoyable IPA with very subtle hints of apricot that open up a kind of full mid level softness without breaking over the sweet line. Medium but present hops and bitters are balanced from start to finish.
Want to try more to explore the ranges of flavor .

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 03:22:12 | More by jpavlicek1

flayedandskinned

California

4.01/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

No exact bottle date but it says 2013 17:14.
Poured into a Duvel tulip.

Appearance: Pours a clear amber with a distinctive orange hue. The beer has a 2 finger, very light tan head that leaves some lacing along the glass as it dies down. The head has adequate retention.

Aroma: Right away there is a massive note of dried apricot flesh with some bright notes of grapefruit juice, ripe peach and nectarine (Amarillo hops). The apricot presence really melds well with the sweet biscuit smelling malts in the background.

Taste: An immediate punch of pungent citrus strikes your palate; mostly notes of grapefruit and bright lemon. This hoppiness, as with all of Dogfish Head's continually hopped IPAs, is layered nicely and evenly throughout the entire flavor profile. Dogfish really did create something unique when they came up with the brewing technique of "Continual Hopping" The oily hops weave in and out of the chewy, slightly sweet, bready malts right up until they coalesce into a piercing, yet very smooth and bitter lemony finish. There are lingering impressions of dried apricot and sweet bread left on your tongue.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, with a very smooth and creamy texture and soft carbonation. It's very refreshing and begs for another sip.

Overall: A fruit beer for hopheads. Dogfish did a wonderful job using REAL apricots(not flavorings or concentrate) that give off a strong presence of the essence of apricot in the nose, while still allowing the hops and malt shine in the flavor profile. The creamy mouthfeel is very seductive and overall the beer isn't too sweet or cloying. In my eyes, this is a must have spring beer for any hophead with a curious palate.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 03:45:06 | More by flayedandskinned

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.74/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a crystal clear medium copper in color wit some light to moderate amounts of visible carbonation as well as some orange and amber highlights. The beer has a finger tall light beige head that slowly reduces to a couple of small medium thick patches that include medium sized bubbles as well as a very thin film covering about two thirds of the surface of the beer and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Light to moderate aromas of citrus/grapefruit and pine hops with lighter aromas of apricots. Underneath there is a light amount of caramel malt sweetness.

T: Upfront there are light to moderate amounts of malts with a light amount of caramel sweetness. This is quickly taken over by light flavors of apricots and then the moderate flavors of hops - citrus/grapefruit and pine. Moderate amounts of bitterness which fade rather quickly.

M: Medium bodied with slightly more than moderate amounts of carbonation.

O: This beer is easy to drink with the pleasant apricot notes in addition to the more traditional IPA flavors and the well hidden ABV. This is a very appropriate spring seasonal and is a refreshing drink on a very warm spring afternoon/evening while waiting to watch the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2013 19:53:51 | More by dbrauneis

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

jrenihan

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

On-tap at Blind Tiger.

Beer is amber in colour with a soft white head. Good retention.

Smell strongly contains apricot- actually smells like apricot juice, quite sweet.

Taste contains apricot nectar- sticky and juicy. Hoppy, with a focus on the apricot again. Some grapefruit, but the apricot is really strong, drowns out the hops a bit.

Medium bodied and highly carbonated. Somewhat irritating.

Overall, the apricot really dominates this beer. It is a nice flavour but I could only take so much.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2013 22:39:55 | More by jrenihan

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