Miles Davis' Bitches Brew - Dogfish Head Brewery

KingSlayer

Mexico

3.58/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

bomber bottle poured into a snifter.
poured a jet black untranslucent liquid, 3 fingers dark tan dense persistent head, medium lacing but doesnt cling at all to the glass wall.
nose isnt impressive, and honestly expected a lot more, aromas composed mainly of alcohol, coffee, dark fruits, vainilla and a weird unknown faint scent to me, guess its the gesha root.
the foam tastes a blood like metallic, the brew itself again its not impressive, i expected a lot more intense & complex flavors. tastes a bit like bittersweet coffee, vainilla, faint chocolate undertones, and again the unknown licorish like (gesha?) flavor. alcohol is definitely present, aftertaste is a bit like coffee flavored milk chocolate.
medium to full body, decent carbonation.
overall a watered imperial stout, at least for my taste. nose, palate and body left me unimpressed, came with high expectations and they were definitely not met. its an OK brew, but nothing special. I still enjoyed sipping it though. way too overpriced in my region.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 08:15:16 | More by KingSlayer

deadonhisfeet

Kentucky

4.1/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

2012 bottling poured into a Dogfish Head snifter. The pour is a nice opaque black with a proper 2 fingers of well-sustained khaki head with minimal lacing. Very earthy nose. Some dry hop notes like an Irish-style stout, but some nice dark chocolate notes as well.

Medium to full body. Feel is firm, but this style demands firmer. Faint bitterness meets nice roasty notes and some malty sweetness up front. I'm not sure what kind of flavor the gesho root contributes, but I think it's the ginger-licorice-molasses note. I definitely think I pick up the honey about 3/4 of the way across the palate. It joins seamlessly with the other flavors. Finish is very tasty and there is a slight hint of booziness. A very drinkable beer.

The flavor is good for a stout, but not necessarily one in this price range. It kind of reminds me of Green Flash Double Stout (which is also good), only more spicy and porter-like. Is it over-priced? A bit, but I think the distinct flavor and the lovely art on the bottle is worth an extra smacker or two. I think it's a delicious beer that I wish was a little sweeter and a little creamier on the palate. Definitely suggested.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 01:10:25 | More by deadonhisfeet

Immortale25

Florida

4.46/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a snifter. No readable freshness date.

A- Pours an ominously opaque black color with a 3/4 inch dark brown head that retains a bit before popping away to a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of surface foam. Solid ring of jagged lacing.

S- Dark roast but with a sweet and creamy aspect. Notes of milk chocolate and a bit of coffee. Also slightly nutty. Alcohol fume is caught in the very back.

T- Smooth delivery of dark chocolate, vanilla and a subtle but powerful roastiness. Alcohol is very well subdued. Plenty of sweetness from the honey is a plus.

M- Chewy, creamy and robust. Medium carbonation gives the feel a bit more tightness and snap to balance the viscosity.

O- I almost forgot just how amazing this beer is. Dogfish may have their duds, but this certainly isn't one of them. Highly quaffable, and thus dangerous due to the high ABV like many of DFH's brews.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 01:42:45 | More by Immortale25

Braber

Illinois

3.64/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

(aged 2 years)

A: Very black/opaque with a thin mocha colored head. Poured straight into bottom of glass.

S: Getting variations of all dark fruits....figs, raisin, plum. A bit of molasses rounds out the nose along with subtle spices and wine like characters.

T: Nice roasty and chocolaty flavors start out like most stouts do. Flavor follow similarly to the nose with fig, raisin, and plum characters but the honey eventually takes over. The honey offers great complexity and mild tartness with chardonnay qualities amidst all of the wonderful flavors of a stout.

M: Medium/Full mouthfeel with sufficient carbonation. Finishes dry.

O: One of the more complex and fun beers I've tried in a long time. Not sure I'd replace this with all imperial stouts but this beer will definitely liven up your palate and offer some tastes that are unique to the beer world.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 17:54:17 | More by Braber

nsh221

Colorado

4.08/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Deep, dark brown, coating the glass. Small tan to light brown head and excellent lacing

S: Super rich and sweet malts. A little chocolate and alcohol. Also some mysterious floral aromas.

T: Smooth, rich roasted malt. More chocolate - at moments sweet and then more smokey. I get tiny bits of coffee, anise and other classic big stout flavors.

M: Mouth-coating but not sticky. It really allows you to get all the flavors in every sip, but not to linger overly long. Smooth and well moderate carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 19:30:56 | More by nsh221

DocJitsu

California

4.05/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I was very surprised and pleased to have the opportunity to try this beer. I had all but forgotten about it because it has never been available where I live. You can imagine my surprise when my local beer store was pouring it during a tasting.

It pours an opaque very dark brown with a root beer colored head. Coffee and very light anise; perhaps clove. The mouthfeel is somewhat thick immediately, like heavy cream, but thins out quickly and dries soon after. Very smooth with the blend of flavors. It effortlessly transitions from coffee to the mildest of clove. Very drinkable and quite good.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 02:32:42 | More by DocJitsu

Guden

Maryland

4.33/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A- Pure black with a deep brown head that fades slowly.

S- Lots of chocolate, some interesting floral notes from the honey. Not the typical "waxy" character I expect from honey, more tropical.

T- Sweet honey with floral and berry notes blends with dark chocolate and light coffee in a very unexpected way. The balance here is right on.

M- Moderately thick with low carb. I would like it to be a touch chewier for an imperial stout but the mead part probably makes that a bit difficult.

O- A very good beer. Sweet with enough roasty bitterness to balance. Not as nuanced as some imperial stouts but a very unique and well made beer none the less.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 00:51:00 | More by Guden

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dogfish Head : Miles Davis Bitches' Brew
2010 Batch 1

LOOK: Pours a darkest of browns bordering on black. Off white head forms on abundance and leaves plent of lacing. Looks sexy.

SMELL: Stoutish aroma of roasted malts, fruits, alcohol and a very slight earthy, herbal component. Honey ish sweetness lasts the whole time. Big sweet roasty aroma and quite strong at that.

TASTE: Roasted malts with notes of charcoal, dark chocolate and smoke. Honey sweetness is there. Just a trace of hop bitterness and herbal quality, earthy flavors evolving from the root used in brewing. Chocolate and vanilla ride out the crescendo with traces of juniper/anise like herb and licorice.

MOUTHFEEL: Medium to full bodied, medium carbonation giving a silky smooth feel. Goes down easily with just a small reminder of the 9% abv.

OVERALL: A well crafted, inspired, and very tasty offering from dogfish head. Not quite as complex as a Miles Davis record, but proves equally timeless with age. Smooth and boundary pushing, this vintage was all I've come to expect; quality.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2013 04:59:29 | More by Stinkypuss

Ell

Alabama

4.73/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Amazing beer.

Very very complex.

A: DARK. Very nice but smallish head.

S: Chocolate, coffee, floral (from the honey) notes abound.

T: This beer is an amazing desert. It's just the right amount of sweet and delicious.

M: Great, lovely textured beer.

Very very solid offering from a brewery that sometimes (in my opinion) tries a little hard to be different for the sake of being different. When they go after a "style" they can really nail it.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 20:57:26 | More by Ell

Alieniloquium

Florida

3.68/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Bottle dated 4/12/2011.

Appearance - Inky black with a mocha head. Ample head that nearly overflows my glass. Settles to a collar and a couple of islands.

Smell - Deep coffee and chocolate malt with a slightly woody aroma. Slightly sweet malty aroma. Nice.

Taste - Sweet malt and then it becomes much more acrid and bitter. Hefty coffee and dark bitter chocolate flavor. I don't get a ton of honey, but it's sweet. The finish is woody, but not oaky.

Mouthfeel - Thick, not really chewy, but coats the mouth. Medium carbonation.

Overall - Definitely Dogfish's best beer. I don't get much from the adjuncts, unless the woody flavor is from the gesho root.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 02:13:38 | More by Alieniloquium

Ranz

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A: It pours a beautiful, deep black with just a touch of mahogany. There's not much head, and the lacing appears minimal.

S: The sweetness of the honey really pairs nicely with the earthy malts. There's an acrid bite to the aroma, too; is that the gesho? I'm not exactly sure, but after a little research, it appears that the honey flavor finds its source there. Lots of coffee here, too, and not unlike a good Guatemalan or Ethiopian blend. It's got rich, deep character with a tinge of spice.

T: Alcohol bite and singe harmonizing with candied malt, butter, caramel, charcoal, and dark cocoa. A thick finish of roasted grain rounds it off. As expected, it pairs wonderfully with some rich fudge.

M: This might be the thickest stout I've ever tasted. It's rich, creamy, and full with a playful amount of carbonation. The chew has backbone, and with the flavor, it lingers long after.

O: Unique and fun, this is one of the cooler beers I've had, and bottle is a great keeper. I'm storing one for a year, so I'm excited to see how it matures.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 21:11:28 | More by Ranz

chugalug06

Colorado

4.55/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Nice smooth black pouring brew with latte colored foamy head leaving moderate lacing behind.

Chocolate and bready, honey, caramel dominate. Deep dark roasty malt, minus the heavy smoke.

Whoa. Very smooth and delicious. Not like most other Imperial Stouts on the market... Smooth, milky, roasty, nice fitting (heavy) carbonation. Spice-y slight awkwardness at the end of the flavor... Honey provide nice sweetness without over whelming any of the chocolate flavor.

An awesome brew, I will definitely seek again... Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 05:53:00 | More by chugalug06

cfrobrew

Texas

4.05/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle 2012
A pitch black with small bubbles and a dark head that quickly disappears
S heavy malt smell with a bit of a boozy overtone
T very similar to the smell heavy malt and high alcohol. Also an oak aftertaste with chocolate.
M smooth but nicely carbonated
O I really enjoyed this beer but expected a bit more complexity. I enjoyed how carbonated it was and the oak flavor was very nice

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 03:01:59 | More by cfrobrew

kevanb

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

750ml poured into a DFH stemmed glass

The beer pours an incredible motor oil consistency, jet black color, no light gets in, not even close. The head is wonderful, thick, puffy, beautiful to look at, caramel in color, absurd retention with nice sticky lacing. The aroma is good, raisins, roasted coffee, burnt bakers chocolate, odd vegetal aromas from the roots, a bit of licorice with some sweet honey and alcohol. The flavors are pretty much the same, smokey burnt coffee and bitter dark chocolate, raisins and licorice with sweet honey and alcohol at the finish. I can't shake the root flavors, they aren't bad, just out of place and don't really blend in with the other flavors as much as I'd like. The body is great, rich, smooth, creamy, just a bit weak at the finish, a little thinner than it initially leads on.

Verdict: A nice pleasant stout from DFH, ambitious with the root adjunct, but the honey works nicely. The beer has a lot going for it, one I'd definitely enjoy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 02:53:57 | More by kevanb

cvm4

Mississippi

4/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours pretty black, thick tan one finger head.

S - Dark chocolate, coffee, figs and roasted malts.

T - The honey gives off a lot of sweetness. In between you get chocolate, expresso and dark fruits.

M - Medium bodied with the same carbonation.

O - Definitely a sipper from DFH. The honey and sweetness really mix it up.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 00:46:05 | More by cvm4

gr0g

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Deep black with a one finger, khaki-colored head. Not really much in the way of lacing, but this otherwise does look like a proper stout. Licorice and molasses hit the nose at first. A good amount of roasted malt astringency follows, then lots of dark chocolate. A bit of a fuel note in there too.

Mostly dry on the palate with a fairly conventional flavor profile for an imperial stout. Dark chocolate, bitter espresso, and licorice all play a part in the flavor. Lots of roasty malt goodness here with alcohol making only a slight intrusion. This would be well on its way to being a solid imperial stout, but the mouthfeel is a let-down. The carbonation checks out way too early, and it's not rich and chewy enough for an imperial stout. DFH takes a fairly conventional course with Bitches Brew and almost hits the mark. With some improvements to the texture, this would be recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 23:16:44 | More by gr0g

goblue3509

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep dark black color with no visible light and a one finger dark khaki colored head. The head gives way to edging with sticky strands of lace. The aroma is of expresso and dark chocolate, there is also a hint of honey. The taste follows suit, there is a coco flavor along with deep expresso. The middle has a sweet dark fruit and honey flavor before the expresso flavor comes back at the back end. The mouthfeel is velvety but not overly slick. It was a nice balance. Overall a very solid beer, the aroma is good and the flavor keeps you wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 23:24:44 | More by goblue3509

SaCkErZ9

Florida

4.33/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This one pours from a 750ml bottle into a Stella snifter. Wow is this one dark! Pitch black in color with possibly the darkest colored head I have seen outside of Founders Breakfast Stout. Head is very creamy and about three fingers in size with generous lacing and great retention.

Aroma is pungent. Chicory root, espresso coffee, chalk, figs. Think of anything dark (besides poopy) and how it smells, and that is encapsulated in the aroma if this one. Not much in the way of hops or any real roasted grains or caramel.

The flavor was nice as well. Tis one leans a little more towards Russian Imperial Stout than American Double, but who cares. Cocoa nibs, dark roasted coffee, dark roasted grains, raisins, licorice. Pretty complex in the aroma and flavor.

I wasnt a fan of the mouthfeel. There was a little too much chalkiness and this one was a little dry and thin on the mouthfeel, but. Nothing was too obtrusive about the overall feel. A great beer, one that can be sipped or enjoyed at a more expeditious pace. Complex and tasty. One of the few DFH "specialty" beers I actually enjoyed.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 22:04:53 | More by SaCkErZ9

nUgZ

North Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

25.4 ounce bomber poured into a snifter.

A: Pours pitch black with a 2 finger head and some lacing.

S: Dark chocolate, roasted espresso, honey, and a hint of nuts and smoke.

T: What a complex mix of flavors! Plenty of sweetness from the honey. Roasted espresso, dark chocolate, fruits, and smoke all are present.

M: Medium bodied with some carbonation.

O: I really liked this offering from DFH. It's very complex, tasty, surprisingly easy to drink, and quite enjoyable. I'll gladly drink this anytime it's available.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 01:34:18 | More by nUgZ

DonovanMiske

5/5  rDev +19%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Deep dark and muddy thick. The tan head has great fantastic retention which is better than most in the similar category. Lasting, creamy, huge.
Aroma: Classic expectations from the style, roasted coffee, sweet caramel, dark chocolate, blah blah blah. What’s interesting is that you get heavy smoke and the honey is so thick it reminds me of a block of fresh honeycomb. The alcohol is masked by the heavy chocolate.
Flavor: This full bodied brew is deep and complicated. Though creamy it is delicate and though flat it is complicated. I get innumerable roots and heavily intertwined flavors of gesho root (which reminds me ginseng and rutabaga). There are very intense interludes of dark flowers, purple fruit, and raisin followed by a crescendo of pleasant brown sugar & dry spice (never thought I would say that ever).
Overall: This beer is just about perfect. It has a long finish, moderate sweetness, a completely muted acidity, light tannic character and an overall amazing experience. This beer has been in the cellar for a year now it simple got better.
Where should it be placed: This beer is perfect for your cellar, to be drank independently and I would definitely recommend it for a beer list (though it’s extremely seasonal).

Read more – beers to find, restaurant advice, etc…
https://sites.google.com/site/donovanscottmiske/

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 18:23:15 | More by DonovanMiske

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had a glass at Good Beer in the East Village. No surprise, it poured pitch black with a light brown head. Overall, this was a smooth, tasty beer, but there were no stand-out notes. I wouldn't call it bland thought, there's a big mix of mocha and dark chocolate with a mild roasty edge. It made for a great sipping beer on a quiet Saturday evening. However, I'm not sure I'd recommend it with such a high price tag. I'd probably reach for an Old Rasputin first.

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2012 22:38:10 | More by tempest

kaseydad

California

4/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2010 Vintage served at room temp.

Finally decided today would be a good day to spend some time in honor of Miles.

Cracked the top and it be smelling good. Pours a black ale with a big brown foamy head with nice lacing.

The aroma is very sweet chocolate forward with a big cocoa background. Light vanilla and roasted malt. Heavy smoke and meaty aroma as it breathes.

The taste is a sweeter stout. Not sure what gesho tastes like, but there is a sweetness with each sip that rounds the bitterness out well. The honey tries to shine through on the aftertaste. More dark fruits on the aftertaste as well followed with roasted coffee. A lot happening here. Edit - Campfire smoke and robust meats in the flavor the more it rests.

Mouthfeel is slick though a tad thin.

Overall I like this. I'm glad I aged though it took a lot of will power to get to today. The honey and gesho took this stout down another road but the road is not bumpy. Sip this brew and contemplate all that it is. Sam did Miles proud.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2012 18:17:39 | More by kaseydad

CA_Infidel2o9

2.8/5  rDev -33.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Poured from a bomber to a sam adams cup

A- black, 1 1/2" muddy brown head

S- copper, dark fruit, leather, roasted malts, smokey, booze

T- dark fruit, black licorice, bitter dark chocolate, copper

M- silky, low carbonation

O- not too much to say. It's super boozy and tastes more of dark fruit then dark chocolate. I have sniffed and sipped over and over, from fridge to room temp, trying hard to find something good about this beer... Then poured it down the drain.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 00:33:53 | More by CA_Infidel2o9

Roose13

New Jersey

4.65/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bomber poured into a DFH pint glass for authentication

A: Very black, like oil. One finger chocolate head

S: Roasted coffee, sweet (licorice?)

T: Sweet, roasted coffee. Tastes a bit smokey, like wood.

M: Medium body, dry, so smooth

Overall: This was an incredible stout. Everything about it was great, especially with how balanced it was.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 04:49:34 | More by Roose13

webmanspidey

Michigan

4.4/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a snifter, this is thick and dark with about half an inch of head. The smell has a strong presence of dusty semi-sweet dark chocolate and spices. Taste is very sweet with lots of sugary chocolate and cream; it almost has a chocolate milkshake characteristic to it. Alcohol presence is very low. I'm surprised how smooth and tasty this one is. Very nice, and named after a great album.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 02:59:42 | More by webmanspidey