ApriHop - Dogfish Head Brewery

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

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