ApriHop - Dogfish Head Brewery

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

Pennsylvania

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

BrantleyJ

California

4.16/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A - deep reddish amber color.

S - Clear hop notes, with citrus, pine, and of course apricots.

T - Sweet and fruity with a malt foundation, with pronounced hops up front. Dangerously drinkable for a 7% beer.

O - The apricots strangely work to make this ne of my favorite seasonal beers, and I do not normally like fruit beers.

Serving type: on tap (Falls Church, VA location)

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2013 01:58:20 | More by BrantleyJ

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

dheacck11

Connecticut

3.44/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25

Nice clear orange amber with finger of brown head rapidly fading.

Nose is strongly of dry hop and apricot.

Taste is all apricot up front, with maybe a hint of other citrus (grapefruit, orange). Follows with a surprisingly biting and bitter hop profile. Finishes with another surge of apricot.

Really nice full mouth feel. Solid body.

Interesting but just feels unbalanced. The apricot is just too sweet, the hops just too bitter. Really nice independently, but together it's like a flavor disagreement in your mouth. I always want to like this more...

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 22:33:07 | More by dheacck11

andrewjraab

Michigan

3.99/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - amber / red with three fingers of white creamy head. Exceptional clarity, and good lacing.

S - Huge hop notes, with citrus, pine, and of course apricots.

T - Big hop punch, sweet and fruity with a malt foundation, hop resin. Highly and dangerously drinkable, great wet mouthfeel.

O - Very solid IPA with a sharp hop profile that bites just enough. A definite must get and I could session this brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 01:16:40 | More by andrewjraab

LeRose

Massachusetts

2.93/5  rDev -23.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

Twelve oz bottle, no date on bottle or four pack sleeve. Purchased for $9.95 on 1/16/12. Poured into Sam's perfect pint.

Appearance: Golden bronze, about a half inch of foamy head, decent retention and lacing. Great clarity.

Aroma: Nice hit of apricot and a resinous hops. Seemed conflicted to me, not a good pairing.

Taste: The hops hit first, a little underlying sweetness, quite metallic, syrupy apricot on the finish. Bitterness seemed way overbalanced. Found the hops flavors undetectable other than bitter.

MF: nothing remarkable. Nicely carbonated, not overly sticky or thick. Metallic "tang" hangs around for a bit, not much aftertaste even with the late apricot flavor hit.

Overall, I thought this was kind of a mess. Overly bitter hops arguing with the syrupy sweetness of the apricot, and the apricot shows up very late in the profile. The taste seems almost segmented. To my taste buds, it was exactly the opposite of the description - way overly hoppy first, then apricot heavy afterwards. Think it could benefit from a less is more approach.I would not purchase this again, and can't say I would recommend it. Disappointing offering from DFH in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2013 00:38:06 | More by LeRose

Alieniloquium

Florida

3.61/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

On tap served in a snifter.

Appearance - Pours a deep amber, surprisingly. Small off white head. Gone in a flash. The faintest of foam remains with a pencil thin collar.

Smell - The description says apricots are a supporting flavor, but it's pretty dominant. Some hops and a lot of toasty malt.

Taste - Fruity apricot again, but maybe secondary to the hop. Instantly a strong toasted malt takes over. Like an amber ale. Bitter in the finish and the apricot comes back in the end with a funny, slightly acidic flavor.

Mouthfeel - Nothing like an IPA base, really. Hefty toasted malt bill. Bitter and medium bodied.

Overall - Enjoyable because of the apricots. The base IPA is not what I'm looking for, though.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2013 19:28:06 | More by Alieniloquium

rangerred

Tennessee

3.98/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a clear dark orange with a one finger off-white head. Decent carbonation keeps the head around for nearly half the drink leaving splotches of lacing on the sides of the glass.

Aroma is moderately metallic at first transitioning into tropical fruit with apricots also being detectable. There is a little caramel and dark bread underneath along with more hops.

The metal is absent from the flavor with tons of fruit up front. I'm loving the apricots along with pineapple and tangerine. There is an underlying sweetness that I find with all DFH brews but it compliments the fruit quite nicely. Just a touch of caramel from the malt but not much else. Finish is pretty sticky with just light to moderate bitterness.

Overall, a nice spring beer from DFH but I find it a little too sweet to be real quaffable. Nonetheless it is a nice change-up from wheat beers as far as spring seasonals are concerned.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 21:41:03 | More by rangerred

idResponse

North Carolina

4.46/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Dogfish have gone and done the awesome yet again. Go get this beer and drink it. You don't like IPA you say? GO GET THIS BEER AND DRINK IT! Straight outta the bottle into my mouth it's smooth, slightly sweet, not bitter, not cloying, not sticky, not overly hoppy. It's sessionable yet dangerous at a 7% ABV. It's easy to drink. It's lovely, wonderful, amazing, and beautiful. Please never stop making this. It could be a flagship brew for the entire company. I want this year round. My new favorite beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 01:13:41 | More by idResponse

BeernDrum

Ohio

4.11/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

This is really a nice beer. I was apprehensive at first wondering if the apricot would be over powering or too sweet. I was wrong. A nice amber color. A nice smell of citrus and the pleasant smell of the apricot. A nice smooth taste. You taste the bitter hops at first, which I like, then the subtle taste of the apricot comes in to smooth it down. Really a unique and refreshing combination of flavor. I recommend this one. Especially those who still like a strong hoppy beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 00:56:29 | More by BeernDrum