Robert Johnson's Hellhound On My Ale - Dogfish Head Brewery

Oakenator

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Great golden-brown pour with very slight cloudiness. Pours a great head - hangs around a bit with nice lacing. Smell reveals the hops which make it difficult to differentiate the citrus additions to this brew. Taste has a great hop flavor and the lemon is present upfront. This bottle is about 12 months old and still holds very well, but from memory of the other bottle opened new in this pair the hops were amazing after a day working in the yard. I wish DFH would make this beer earlier in the year to enjoy fresh during summer months.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2012 22:24:52 | More by Oakenator

vic21234

Illinois

3.4/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

DFH bomber bottle poured into a snifter. Bottle date of 2011.

A- Pours very DFH IPA-like. Cloudy orange/ copper with about two finger's worth of head.

S- Smells very sweet. I get some piney, citrusy notes but not what one would expect from a supposed 100 IBU beer. Some fruity lemon characters are there too.

T- Starts off with the classic DFH bitterness before finishing with a kind of weird lemon mess. The beer is sweet and the malts come through with the lemon finish. The lemon taste is ok but definitely different.

M- Medium bodied, good carbonation, the alcohol presence is certainly there.

Not a bad beer to try once but nothing I would try again. The lemon notes in this beer are a bit too much for me, and doesn't balance well with the rest of the beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2012 01:59:53 | More by vic21234

ms11781

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed on 06/22/2011. 2011 1 in yellow ink on bottle neck. 750ml bottle poured into a tulip glass.

Pours a lighter copper color with the slightest amount of haze. A 2 and half finger birght white head develops and settles in as a half finger of fluffy foam. Decent lacing in the left on the glass.

A nice, lemony citrus hop character leads the way in the nose. The citrus is balanced by a sweet malt character. The malt takes on a caramel-like aroma as the beer warms. There is also a slight piny note comes out when the temperature rises. There is also a considerable amount of alcohol on the nose as well.

The taste is dominated by two distinct flavors and they hit hard right off the bat. Extreme lemon starts off each sip and it's followed by a huge honey-like sweetness that wasn't in the nose. The citrus hops and caramel malt are still here but they aren't as prevalent as they were in the nose. There is still booze present but it isn't nearly as strong as in the nose. There is a slight bitterness at the finish that doesn't linger but there is some lemon or grapefruit rind in the aftertaste.

Medium bodied with carbonation on the higher end of medium. It dries out slightly. The mouthfeel would be far bigger if the carbonation were a bit lower. It gives the beer a bit of a briskness that it probably doesn't need.

This was an ok DIPA. At times the lemon was a bit too much and the honey sweetness didn't really mesh well with the hop character. At other times everything seems to come together well. It just wasn't really consistent from sip to sip, which seemed a bit odd. It misses the mark a bit.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 20:39:19 | More by ms11781

BostonHops

Massachusetts

3.4/5  rDev -13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

750ml bottle served in a snifter.
bottled in 2011

pours a mostly clear (a little chill haze) golden-orange tone; fairly aggressive pour yields a frothy 1 and 1/2" beige colored head. middling retention but leaves a good amount of lacing. aromatic nose offers a lot of citric hops (notably lemon zest) while introducing a caramel malt backbone.

unfortunately, the flavor doesn't exactly deliver for me. it's OK, with the citus hoppiness pulling through with the caramel malt and a touch of pine, but it's less a backbone and more in-your-face. not especially complex, with the flavors sort of muddled as opposed to layered. medium-bodied mouthfeel with a bitter hoppy finish. average carbonation.

overall i think hellhound is a relatively drinkable, average to slightly above average tasting DIPA, but nothing more. glad to have tried it but won't be champing at the bit for another glass.

(originally reviewed: 06-26-2011)

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 22:52:13 | More by BostonHops

albertjr21

New York

4.18/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Vintage 2011 bottle enjoyed in DFH Signature Glass on 6-7-12.

A: Murky dense yellow and orange blended color under a well supported thick blanket of frothy head.

S: Bright lemon citrus runs nicely over a toasted sweet malt.

M/T: Relatively subtle yet very present hops play to the tune of a beautifully balancing robust toasted malt body. Flavors of lemon, toasted grainy bread, and caramel candy.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2012 23:50:54 | More by albertjr21

Kadonny

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 750 bottle into my Duvel tulip glass.

A: A medium hazy golden color with a big 2 finger white fluffy head. Lacing is there but recedes.

S: The lemon smell jumps out with some sugar sweetness that mixes with some fruity hop notes. Alcohol is picked up as is the signature DFH yeast smell.

T: Again with huge lemon fruity hop notes coupled with some other sweet juicy citrus flavors and some grassy notes. The sweetness is huge and sugary. Alcohol is very forward and sweetness stays to keep the IBUs down as the finish is slightly bitter but the sweetness lingers on.

M: Full, coating, alcoholic, a bit prickly and lots of sweetness.

O: This is a DIPA? An interesting take on one then. Reading the label I expected much more bitter flavors with the IBUs that are boasted, but the sweetness effectively keeps the bitterness at a minimum.

This is a nice beer but a bit alcoholic to drink on any regular basis. Another different beer that is good but not great. Still glad I tried it, but not sure I would buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2012 19:24:19 | More by Kadonny

ngeunit1

California

4.23/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

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

S - Aroma is a full of citrus and tropical hops with some grapefruit, orange, and lemon, with pine hops and some caramel and lightly bready malts.

T - Starts off with citrus and tropical hops with grapefruit and orange flavors with some lemon peel, bitterness, and some sweet caramel malt. Through the middle, some pine hops and more bitterness comes through alongside some more caramel and lightly bready malts. The finish is a mix of tropical hips with a bit of pine, bitterness, lemon peel, and some sweet malts.

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

D - Very drinkable. The lemon adds a nice element to the other citrus hops flavors. The balance is good and the hop profile is nice.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2012 06:10:06 | More by ngeunit1

Durge

Connecticut

3.68/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A clear amber color with a healthy white foam on top and very nice lacing. The aroma suggests a nice lemony-apricot and herbal hop. There’s a bit of grainy malt included. The flavor brings on more lemony hops and herbal hints over more farmhouse grain. I pick up some very subtle clove/spruce and a notable alcohol presence. The body is medium and a bit cloying with tiny bubbles providing a full, tasteful carbonation. A solid brew but a bit too acrid and lacking in grain sweetness that I would prefer.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2012 03:21:04 | More by Durge

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Well it looks like a DIPA. Hazy orange body with a small head. It smells like Two-hearted. Thats the scary part. Powdery malt backbone that sets the tone. Tastes like Two-Hearted. More like a Double Two-Hearted than The Oracle. The citrus hops fade quickly, leaving the malt backbone exposed. I normally wouldnt complain, but its just becomes this unbalanced powdery sweet thing.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 01:17:12 | More by VncentLIFE

barczar

Kentucky

3.85/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a light orange golden color with a hint of haze and a dense inch head that lingers, leaving thick lace.

Aroma is dominated by caramel malt initially, with strong citrus hop flavors of grapefruit pith, tangerine, and mango adding complexity.

Flavor is far more hop forward. Heavy grapefruit pith, orange peel, and lemon are carried by a background hint of best caramel malt to a peppery, decidedly bitter finish. Fresh cut grass surfaces as it warms.

Body is moderate to slightly heavy with moderate carbonation and a decent amount of alcohol warmth.

Great hop profile, but not as scrumptious as some of the best I've had. Alcohol warmth is a bit over the top.

Serving type: on-tap

04-10-2012 22:40:45 | More by barczar

GPHarris

Alabama

4.05/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

a - poured a three-fingers thick creamy, tan head into a snifter that left great lacing and sheeting until about 1/3 of the beer was left and it was gone. body was a bright and lively amber.
s - lemons, grass with a hint of sweetness.
t - juicy, lemons, spicy with a hint of sweetness. also a little boozy.
m - creamy and coating.
o - interesting take on a DIPA. enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 14:04:27 | More by GPHarris

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had a mug at the Blue Tusk in Syracuse. A pretty good, but not great beer. On one hand the body wasn't too thick (DIPAs shouldn't be syrupy, but often are), giving the beer a nice drinkability for the style.

I would not, however, call this a "super-hoppy" ale. There's a great spicy citrus finish, but I get more toasty caramel malt up front and no big hops in the aroma. This makes it a very nice American strong ale worth trying, just don't expect massive hops.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2012 16:19:47 | More by tempest

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.98/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a one finger off-white head that fades slowly leaving some lace. Almost clear amber color. Good carbonation and medium bodied. Light grapefruit nose and flavor is sweet grapefruit and caramel. High ABV is hidden. Decent imperial IPA. Pricey at $14.00 for a 750ml bottle from Tully's Beer and Wine Wells, Me.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2012 22:29:30 | More by jdhilt

thydarkprevails

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On draft in a snifter. Pours a hazy orange yellow with little head and nice lacing. Aroma is bright pine and citrus. Flavor is pine, grapefruit, caramel, and some astringency. Somewhat syrupy and rather chewy. Decent but not amazing. Worth a try if you find it.

Serving type: on-tap

04-02-2012 11:31:29 | More by thydarkprevails

thedoubler55

New Jersey

3.38/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 750ml bottle into a Dogfish Tulip glass.

A - A nice hazy orange color, barely able to see through it. A good amount of head at the top(off white), not to much lacing on this one.

S - Lots of citrus notes and lemon up front, a nice amount of hops in the nose.

T - A bit boozy up front with notes of caramel, and lots of lemon I noticed throughout, a very odd taste.

M - Medium bodied with a nice amount of carbonation, slick.

D - Was not to fond of this brew, not what I was expecting from Dogfish, easy drinker though.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 18:37:43 | More by thedoubler55

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.95/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured on-tap and served in a stemmed vase, the beer is a slightly hazy, muddled, orange-copper coloring with a steady flow of carbonation bubbling and a thick, chunky, frothy off-white head. Aromas are subtle, with a tangerine tangy backbone and some light, bitter hops. Flavors are tangy and slick, with a blast of booze at the end of the palate. Roasted toffee backbone gives rise to a dry hopped, green, and slightly citrus highlighted profile. The flavors balance very well. Roasty aftertaste, with a touch of citrus and cut grass. The finish has a slight linger that is very pleasant, and the citrus gets a slight hint of pineapple. Good, solid brew that will kick your ass in quantity.

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2012 17:19:36 | More by GarthDanielson

JayQue

Virginia

3.88/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I purchased this one in fall 2011 Freshness date 2011 102 2 and didn't drink it until today, March 28 2012. Not quite the hop bomb I was expecting, but I let it sit awhile as well. Poured into a pint glass from a 750 ml bottle. Pours a hazy gold/somewhat orangy color with a small white head that fades fast. Nose is not much, some citrus hops, but pretty mild.

Taste is more robust. Citrus hops, heavy on the lemon, some caramel malts (with the hops winning out s far as dominance) and a touch of alcohol. It is bitter, but well mannered with a touch of alcohol burn.

Mouthfeel is rich and crisp. The alcohol adds a little zest and is not a detriment.

All in all a pretty good DIPA, but I probably should have drank it last fall to get the full flavor.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 22:41:08 | More by JayQue

BlurryVisi0n

New York

4.48/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served in a snifter beer glass. Bottled January 2011, served March 24, 2012.

Appearance: Pours a semi-cloudy amber, slightly off-white head came off roughly 1/4" off the body.

Smell: Light barley/yeast, nothing significant that you will not miss.

Taste: This beer explodes heavily complex, so much going on hear that it is moving as fast as a Nascar race in your mouth. Citrus skin, feels of lemon grapefruit slightly bitter. Spicy and a notch sweet, but the sweetness is just a touch.

Mouth: Medium carbonation, you know what???...F'n smooth!

Overall: This is grade "A" beer, yes it lacks aroma but who gives a F*¢k. When you think back and ask yourself how often do you get beer this complex you will not find much else out there. Rare I give a 5 for taste it is definitely worth exploring every cent left in your pocket. I don't look any beer up before I start a review and I had all of this in mind when approaching the blog. I hope you have all enjoyed as much as I have. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 06:35:29 | More by BlurryVisi0n

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.03/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Review from 6/2011 notes. Poured into a Black Raven pint glass. Pours a clear orange amber, nice three finger, long lasting head and massive lacing. Looks nice. Aroma of citrus, piney and aromatic hops, light sweet malt. Medium bodied. Flavor is somewhat muted. Lemon with a solid malt background. Finish is mild hops, a bit more lemon and a somewhat peppery aftertaste. Not as zesty as the aroma suggested, but nicely made and enjoyable to drink. An interesting variation on a IPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2012 21:42:44 | More by LiquidAmber

kojevergas

California

2.23/5  rDev -43.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

1 pint 9.4 fl oz brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap served into a generic pint glass in me friend's gaff in low altitude Orange, California. Reviewed live.

Served a bit warmer than refrigerator cold. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues were anticipated.

A: Pours a 2.5 finger head of fluffy white foam, light cream, good thickness, and great retention for the ABV. Colour is a dark copper. No visible yeast particles.

Sm: Hops - mainly bittering, light caramelized malts, clean malts, and some cream. A mild strength aroma. Not particularly appealing either.

T: Hops - floral more than bittering. Very pleasant fruit esters - I assume passion fruit but lemon comes through. Certainly pleasantly citrusy. Light caramelized malt alongside clean bright malts. The hop bitterness is well disguised. Rings artificial, even a bit syrupy. Not particularly well balanced. Built decently. Very simple compared to how the label describes it.

Mf: Smooth and wet, with not enough coarseness to bring out the flavours. Inadequately carbonated. Doesn't complement the flavours hardly at all.

Dr: Hides its ABV really well. Drinkable but boring and simple. I wouldn't get it again. Not at all worth the price. Another gimmick from Dogfish Head. The taste is quite artificial.

High D+

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 03:17:35 | More by kojevergas

Murrhey

Montana

2.7/5  rDev -31.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Poured in a pint glass from a 1 pint 9.4 oz bottle. Reviewed live.

A- Two finger white head with a very long retention. Clear orangeish color with brilliant clarity. Some spotty lacing.

S- Floral hops with sweetness. Warm but very subtle.

T- Hoppy and hides the booze well. Some alcoholic tastes.

M- Very thin mouthfeel. Surprisingly not dry finish.

O- Meh. Not a fan of this DIPA.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 03:13:50 | More by Murrhey

jlindros

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a light fizzy head, hazy golden color.

Nose earthy candy bittering hops, like 90 min, sweet candy syrupy fruit, grassy lemon zest, hint of booze.

Taste semi sweet, golden almost syrupy malts, juicy fruit hops, bit of booze, caramel, candy sugar, bitterness is good, grassy earthy candy hops light citrus candy, orange.

mouth is a bit fuller bodied, good carb, hint of booze.

Overall pretty good, like a 90 min IPA with less malty flavors and a bit kicked up on the hops. Pretty nice, but not sure if it's worth the money.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 04:39:56 | More by jlindros

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Sunset Bar & Grill. Served in a 13 oz. tulip glass.

A- Golden Orange a little bit on the darker side, not too hazy. Very thin layer of white head when served. Nice light layered lacing on the glass. Slightly below average carbonation.

S- Pretty hoppy. A little bit of a sweet citrus smell of lemons, grapefruit, caramel, etc..

T- Hoppier and sweeter then your average DIPA. Sweet taste is a lemony citrusy taste mixed with a little bit of caramel. Sweet aftertaste.

M- Medium Bodied. Very well balanced between hops and citrus tastes which hides the alcohol well and makes the beer very easy to drink. I would have liked a little bit of a head to the beer, I feel like it adds a little bit to the mouthfeel.

O- While DFH is a hit or miss with most of their beer styles, their IPAs and DIPAs are always some of my favorites. I've had their 60 minute, 90 minute, 120 minute, Burton Baton, Aprihop, and Squall and I've been impressed by all of them.

The Hellhound definitely did not disappoint. While like all of the DFH IPAs the Hellhound is on the sweeter side. Different then the others, it has a little bit more of a lemony sweet taste. It was more hoppy then the 90 minute, but less hoppy then the 120 minute. The lemony citrus taste and the strong hops taste was definitely balanced nicely in the beer.

Overall it was a good IPA, one of the better ones that I've had. If it was more affordable I would definitely probably drink it on more of a regular basis.

Serving type: on-tap

02-29-2012 14:56:02 | More by jaasen64

TechTriumph

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes on 12/18/11:
Bottle code: 2011 102 2; Poured in a snifter.
Queued up Robert Johnson's "Hellhound On My Trail" among other songs to set the mood.

A - Two inch slightly off-white billowy head with really nice retention; Semi-hazy appearance with a deep, dark burnt orange/amber color; Not too much lacing left behind

S - Nice aroma of wet grapefruit and orange citrusy hops with a good showing of floral notes as well; In addition, notes of sweet candy apple, caramel, lightly toasted bread, and lemon peel come forward

T - Remarkably moderate bitterness for a brew with 100 IBU, which shows itself throughout the taste and into the finish; Although the centennial hops are strong in the smell, they mostly take a backseat in the taste with the strongest showing in the very beginning; The lemon peel steps forward more here, but is more sugary sweet rather than puckering; Lemon fades in the finish with subtle tones of toasted bread and grains; No taste of alcohol here whatsoever

M - Small amounts of carbonation; A notch or two above medium bodied; Smooth mouthfeel with a pretty dry and warming finish

O - This is a very nice beer all around, from the lovely burnt orange/amber color, to the inviting, complex aroma and the equally complex and tasty flavor. This beer is truly unique and not your typical DIPA, but I have come to expect this level of creativity from Dogfish Head. My only critique would be to have the hop flavors step forward a bit more, but even so, I would jump at the chance to try this brew again the next time I come across it.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2012 18:20:39 | More by TechTriumph

MEsoJD

California

3.93/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

[poured into a large generic chalice glass]

I: When I hear Doghouse mentioned, I instantly think hit and miss. This is my sentiment, from my experience with dogfish. These days, I either like or dislike a brew from them. While I was looking for some "Moylans Hopsickle" to satisfy my craving for aggressive hops, I ran into this brew from Dogfish that seems interesting enough. Let's hope, we have a winner here.

B: [10.00% 1 Pint 9.4 fl. oz.] I really like the look of this bottle. Very intriguing art work, and a dedication to a great blues artist. Back story, ingredients (Centennial hops and lemon peel/flesh), bottle date (Oct. 2011) included. I'm willing to make room for this bottle, if I'm satisfied.

A: Dark orange transparent body, resembling a liquor that has little head (extremely fast dissipation), and light lacing.

S: Smells of lemon citrus (more lemon than citrus, if that makes sense), and pine.

T: Lemon throughout, spicy/toasty/biscuity presence, hops are masked, and sweet malt on finish.

M: Slick/oily body, medium bodied, medium carbonation, and apparent unobtrusive alcohol(though it's still a 10% brew so be careful).

O: I think this one of the better dog fish beers I've encountered. I didn't get those crazy hops throughout, but that's ok. Very much enjoyed this brew. I recommend one to try this at least once. Cheers!!!

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 04:22:21 | More by MEsoJD