ApriHop - Dogfish Head Brewery

eriktoyra

4.38/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a nice dark amber colored liquid into the glass. Lots of carbonation that looks like the one found in sparkling wine. The head is yellow-white with small bubbles. Fairly even head, about two fingers high. Slowly goes down to a thin layer leaving lots of lacings on the glass.

S: A slight note of bitter hops, oranges, grapefruit and sweet tropical fruits. Carapale malts and a bit of alchohol at the end. The smell of apricots emerges after a few sips.

T: Lots of malt and sweet fruit, finishes off nice with some distinct grapefruit tones that stays long. Apricots are definitely there, as well as some honey. Well balanced.

M: Smooth. Very smooth. Medium carbonation. Feels a bit oily and "round". Very easy to drink.

O: A great IPA I would buy anyday again. The apricots does a really good job in this one.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2012 00:32:30 | More by eriktoyra

chefhatt

Pennsylvania

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

I poured this one into a pint glass. It has a nice dark golden color body with a nice 2 finger white head. The smell is very aromatic of hops. The taste is very hop up front and i get the balance of the malts on the back of the tongue. I'm not picking up any apricot taste. The mouth feel is great and overall this is a really good ipa, which i love.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2012 04:00:42 | More by chefhatt

Redrover

Illinois

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

This was one of the May specials at Cuvee Cellars in Elmhurst. $3 is a good deal!

Poured into a standard pint, the beer is dark bronze with a sticky tan head.

It has a big citrus pine nose. It is fresh and inviting.

Taste is hop forward lots of juicy hops with a solid caramel malt back end. It has a hint of juicy fruit gum (tropical) that emerges mid-glass.

It has slick oily mouth coating goodness. Just a great beer here at a fantastic price!

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 21:29:45 | More by Redrover

ngeunit1

California

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a cloudy copper-orange color with a finger of frothy off-white head. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some nice lace.

S - Aroma is a mix of lots of citrus and tropical fruits including apricots, grapefruit, pineapple, with some piney hops and a bit of caramel and biscuit malt.

T - Starts off some apricot flavor with some tropical hop flavor with some grapefruit, pineapple, and bitterness with some sweet caramel and bready malts. Through the middle, some resiny pine hops come through with some stronger bitterness and a bit more apricot flavor alongside a bit stronger malt flavor. The finish is a mix of topical and pine hop with some bitterness and a bit of sweet malt.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with a resiny, bitter, and dry finish.

D - Very drinkable. The apricot flavor really works nicely alongside the tropical hops, and the beer has a great balance overall.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 03:51:14 | More by ngeunit1

cvm4

Mississippi

3.33/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - Nice amber color and a eggshell 2 finger head after pour. Okay lacing.

S - Some hops and a little malt. Lingering sweetness in the background.

T - Not overly apricot to me. Nice base IPA that seems more malty and sweet than hop forward. Very subdued apricot here.

M - Good carbonation, lighter body but just has a cloying sweetness I don't like.

O - Not impressed. I'd choose a lot of regular or even BMC fruit beers over this.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2012 20:51:30 | More by cvm4

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours light amber/orange with a great white head. Tons of rings and lace down the pint.

Toasted malt, some hoppy notes. Looking for apricot and not finding it.

Great IPA, but where is the fruit? Nice moderate hoppy brew, with more malt forward. Bitterness and toasted malt, with some sweetness to round this brew out. I guess the apricot is there, but I don't taste it.

Good medium body and carbonation.

Overall, I liked this, but it is still more IPA than Apricot brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2012 00:16:47 | More by OtherShoe2

hopsolutely

Ontario (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A surprisingly enjoyable APA. I was cautious because of the apricots and a years ago less than impressive draught experience, but that may have been the establishment and this bottle is truly great.

The apricots are only obvious (to me) in a dry but jammy element to the finish. There is ripe stone fruit in the aroma as well, but it blends nicely with the tropical fruit and citrus notes that Dogfish Head captures so well. It pours a beautifully clear and dark amber, almost glowing with reddish orange tones. Impressive lacing and a plaeasntly carbonated mouthfeel, not as slick or oily as one sometimes finds in a 7% ABV beer.

A pleasant surprise and definitely a beer I'd highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2012 00:08:55 | More by hopsolutely

Samp01

New Jersey

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

A ruby amber with a large lasting creamy beige head on the pour with very good head retention lacing to the end. Aroma of caramel malt, yeast, fruity esters, apricots with citrus floral hops. Taste is caramel malt, yeast, fruity notes and some nice apricots flavor with some citrus floral hops. Palate is a medium body, creamy mouth feel with good carbonation. Finishes with caramel malt, some yeast, fruity and some good apricot notes followed by some citrus and floral hops for balance. Aroma and flavor of apricots come through more as it warms up, has a good malty background. Overall a very good, tasty and well balanced brew, I would recommend this and drink again, very nice.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2012 19:23:52 | More by Samp01

msh4k3

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle served in a nonic pint glass

a. A darker copper orange, and a little hazy but opaque. I had 1 finger head.

s. Citrus notes from the hops, pine notes, apricot notes, and english pale ale malts.

t. You get hit by a slight bitterness of hops, then you get some apricot notes, and finally some grassy & peppery notes. Kind of sweet. A little on the boozy side.

m. A bit of body on this, medium to high carbonation, then you get a bit of alcohol warming. A little sappy doesn't retain too long.

o. Delicious apricot flavored beer. It's availability that goes along with spring makes it a treat. Not my favorite of this style but its pretty tasty IPA. Drink it before its gone!!

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2012 04:27:44 | More by msh4k3

ummswimmin

New Jersey

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

Apricot season only lasts about five weeks. We prolong this experience by drying them... oh, and we put them in our beer.

I like IPA's and I really enjoy apricots. So, the mix should be very good. It starts well with the look and smell. I like the blend of hops and fruit.

The flavor isn't as good as the smell. It is a decent beer. The flavor is very hoppy, but bitterness comes over the top. I don't get much of the apricot, though.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2012 01:39:10 | More by ummswimmin

KajII

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

[Best served in a Shaker glass]

The pour was a clear medium copper with an average sized (1-2 finger) off white frothy head that had awesome retention, lasting throughout along with some good sheeting of lace.

The aroma was of a grain malt, floral and citrus hops and an earthy yeast with a big note of apricot and a hint of citrus (grapefruit and orange peel).

The taste was lightly bitter with a nice apricot sweetness from the start and then progressed into a much bitterer hoppiness with a strong bitter citrus peel ending. The flavor lasted a decent duration following the swallow with a nice fruity hoppy taste left behind.

Mouthfeel was just above light in body with a nice dry texture and a medium carbonation.

Overall a very refreshingly tasty spring seasonal from this brewer (no surprise there), it offers a perfect balance of bitter hops and a fruity sweetness...

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2012 14:19:51 | More by KajII

Darkmagus82

Montana

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

Poured from bottle into pint glass

Appearance – Pours a deep golden color with a large billowy off white head. The head fades in a moderate amount of time giving way to ever persistent thin white film on the surface of the brew.

Smell – The aroma is big of lighter fruit. Apricots and peaches are nice and strong, with some citrus hop and floral hop notes mixed in. These later aromas match the peach and apricot nicely.

Taste – Sweeter fruit flavors of apricot meet the tongue. These flavors are quickly followed by citrus hop flavors which in many ways complement the fruit flavor well. While the citrus hop complements the fruit, it also in some ways nicely subdues the sweet with a nice bit of spiciness. As the taste advances further the sweeter flavors lighten even more. Just at the very end however, there is a surge of sweeter fruit again. Peach and apricot come back strong and leave a fruity flavor that lingers on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – Thick and creamy in body with a below average level of carbonation. The body creates a creamy fruit flavor on the tongue with the carbonation letting all the smooth fruit and hop tastes soak into the tongue.

Overall – An odd combination of very light non-citrus fruit and hop, but it actually goes quite well. Well worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2012 23:31:10 | More by Darkmagus82

cwguy5

North Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - very deep golden, clear color with a one-finger, eggshell head that retained well, settling to a rich, foamy cap; lots of sticky lacing

S - lots of sweet, fresh apricots with a hoppy background

T - wait for it... apricots! shocker. very fresh, juicy flavors but not sweet. not sweet but not super dry either. just the essence without the sugar. mild hoppiness overall, providing the dryness and very mild bitterness.

M - light bodied with light but adequate carbonation; mild finish and aftertaste

O - excellent whether or not you love fruit beers. very light on the palate and highly drinkable, especially in the spring and summer. highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2012 20:33:02 | More by cwguy5

notchucknorris

California

3.53/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Copper color with a nice one finger tan head. Great retention and some spotty lacing.

S: Really sweet and malty smell with some hints of citrus and something that smells a bit like marzipan.

T: Similar to the smell. Very sweet and malty with a touch of apricot coming in on the finish. Not a ton in the way of hops here. It's alright, but nothing I'd really go for again.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2012 01:47:31 | More by notchucknorris

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.53/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The beer is dark orange and completely transparent with a small off white head that leaves some nice lacing on the walls of the pint glass.

The aroma offers hops, stone fruits, sweet malt, juice.

The flavor is sweet, with apricot flavor really coming out strong. Following the heavy apricot flavor is a balance of hops and sweet malt, with a slight nod toward hops.

The feel is medium bodied and sticky on the palate with a pronounced sweetness throughout.

Overall, a decent fruit beer with some nice things going on. A bit too sweet for me personally.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 22:48:16 | More by Huhzubendah

SolipsismalCat

Pennsylvania

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

Poured into a pint glass.

A: Hazy amber with a two-finger, white, creamy head that lasted several minutes and left a beautiful, thick film. Fantastic lacing.

S: Hops and subtle apricot.

T: Light sweetness and moderate bitterness. Watered apricot fruit juice and hops is what it comes down to. Not as awesome as I was hoping for but it grows on you as you continue to drink it.

M: Light to medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Smooth but thin.

O: This beer has originality. It looks and smells great, but there weren't enough hops or malt or something in the taste. Still, pretty good. I just don't think I'll try this one again.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 23:56:15 | More by SolipsismalCat

Auracom

Illinois

2.7/5  rDev -29.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Extra from my good friend Raffy, thanks man! 12 oz. bottle poured into a Bruery tulip on April 9th, 2012.

A - Deep amber-burnt orange with a ruby hue. Surprisingly little light tan head with quick dissipation and little retention. Decent lacing.

S - Apricot marmalade, tropical and fruit hop notes, light malt backing of brown and candied sugar. Simple yet effective.

T - Pretty meager flavors, mostly effervescent front palate, middle light pine, fruit, and hop bitterness, rear palate is just a touch of the malt bill with an extremely short and lightly dry finish. I sense very little of the apricots here, jellied or fresh. As it warms I get a touch of the fruit in the aftertaste but it really doesn't suffice.

M - Light body, mid-high carbonation. Typical for style.

D - Unmemorable. The nose was definitely better than the disappointing taste.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2012 16:31:23 | More by Auracom

JohnnyBarman

Ontario (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Single bottle from Knightly Spirits in Orlando.

Poured into a nonic.

Nose is citrus hops, caramel malt and apricot. Quite nice.

Tasty brew. The apricot has a lovely candied feel that really meshes well with the IPA base. Sweet hoppy finish. Good mouthfeel.

Nice brew - really liking how the apricots meld with the hops. Great brew - would love this again!

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2012 04:35:25 | More by JohnnyBarman

mikeg67

New Jersey

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

12 oz bottle from Samp01. Pours reddish amber with a short- lived white head and lively carbonation. Aroma is of citrus hops followed by caramel malt and some fruit. Body is medium and crisp. A lot of citrusy hops, caramel and ripe fruit combine on the palate. The finish is long, dry, and grapefruity. Delicious IPA, it was perfect with Moroccan stew.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 14:56:20 | More by mikeg67

Beer_Runner

4.18/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

No enjoy by date on the bottle.
Slow pour into a standard pint glass.

A: Two fingers of thick, foamy beige head. A dark copper and very clear with some carbonation bubbles raising to the top.

S: A slightly sweet caramel malt and grassy hops with just a hint of appricote.

M: Medium body and very dry. Smooth and not too much carbonation.

T: Bitter, grassy hops offset by just enough sweet caramel malt to take off the edge of the bitterness. There is some appricote flavor at the end that compliments the grassy hops.

0: The blend of flavors makes this beer interesting. The appricote makes it stand out. As a creative brew this is definitely worth experiencing.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 21:46:08 | More by Beer_Runner

Murrhey

Montana

3.25/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass. Reviewed live.

A- Finger and a half fluffy white head. Slightly cloudy orange color, nice lacing. Nice looking beer all around.

S- Citrusy hops, bitter tang, some sweet apricot flavors. Quite nice.

T- Hoppy and citrusy, sweet apricot flavors. Very bitter.

M- Medium feel, chewy kind of feel and dry finish.

O- Expectations were high, and this is not as good as I expected.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 06:59:40 | More by Murrhey

jrenn

Kansas

4.55/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Clear orangish.

Smell: Light hop aroma. Full on sweet rounded apricot smell. Creamy though. Really pops out at you.

Taste: Can't taste the booze too much on this one. Very well rounded. Grapefruit and apricot notes. Almost had a sherbet quality. I found myself trying to chew it many times.

Mouthfeel: Great body. Velvety. Full, but not offensive. Very drinkable.

Overall: I <3 Dogfish Head.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2012 19:27:10 | More by jrenn

mattbk

New York

3.63/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Clear, copper, light head that dissipates quickly into some fine bubbles.

Smell: Very faint apricot fruit and light hop. Not bad, not as much as I expected.

Taste: A bit of alcohol bite. Estery, fruity from apricot, bitter. Very warming going down. A bit of an off flavor from finishing hops, or is that from the fruit and yeast interaction? No predominant flavor profile. Has mostly an IPA-like quality to it. Not bad, definitely not great.

Mouthfeel: Fairly full bodied. The best part of this beer I think.

Overall: Not bad, not full flavored. An average IPA with a slight fruit aroma and flavor. Too much alcohol in finish.

Serving type: growler

04-21-2012 16:50:34 | More by mattbk

rarbring

Sweden

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

An ale that is clear amber, has a high warm off-white head, good lacing and curtains.

The smell is intensely fruity, mango, grape-fruit and apricots(!). A whiff of grass, nettles and pine needles.

Sweet toffee, brown bread, tropical fruit marmalade, and a good measure of bitter fruit peel. And, yes - apricots.

Medium carbonation, very small bubbles, soft and smooth, very little dry.

A good and smooth IPA, more fruits than hops in the picture.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 17:21:49 | More by rarbring

derekmorris7

Massachusetts

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

Not all its cracked up to be. Apricot is there but not to the extent I thought it should be. I felt the IPA was a bit weak too. The wasn't a big ipa kick to it. I must add that this being a dogfish head beer you know it's got a chance. I think if you pair this with something it would really hold up.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2012 23:10:53 | More by derekmorris7