120 Minute IPA - Dogfish Head Brewery

Mikecap

Rhode Island

4.66/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Finally made myself order this last night at Sunset Grill & Tap where it was on tap. At $10 for a 10 oz. pour, I figured I had to give it a go.

Poured a deep mahogany color, with an awesome aroma. Hops, hops, and more hops, with a bit of alcohol mixed in. Definitely resiny and floral.

Taste was surprisingly smooth. The alcohol is surely noticeable, but it drinks like an IPA. However, definitely a sipper and something that is great to take slowly. I could enjoy this for a couple of hours like a nice bourbon or whiskey.

Incredible mouthfeel in my opinion. Bready, chewy but still smooth. Went down a little too easy.

Overall, this was much better than expected. Had yet to try it mostly because I thought it was all hype, but certainly worth seeking out. I would definitely drink this and enjoy it again.

Serving type: on-tap

05-14-2013 14:06:54 | More by Mikecap

ryan0585

Florida

4.94/5  rDev +22.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Amazing beer, plain and simple. Check the Dogfish Head website to see when it is available in Total Wine and other liquor stores. Rare to find, great to drink.

For an IPA, surprisingly not very hoppy, at least compared to the 60 and 90 minute brews. And for a beer with quite a punch at 18% ABV, does not taste too strong, until you feel the effects after the last drop.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2013 00:39:29 | More by ryan0585

J_Dub

Texas

4.8/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

A: Dark orange/brown and cloudy.

S: One of the best smelling beers I've had. Malty sweetness and alcohol primarily. There are also notes of dark fruits. I can smell some hops too. Very complex nose.

T: Not like what you think an IPA should taste like (but that's not a bad thing!). Warming alcohol flavors, raisin, plum, hops, caramel sweetness. Like the nose, the flavors are very complex and yet blend together perfectly. Although the alcohol adds some flavor it is hidden extremely well considering the 18% ABV.

M: Sticky, syrup like essence. DFH has made a beer that has the richness of melted down candy but made it very enjoyable.

Overall, a stellar beer that any hophead needs to try. The complex, dark, sugary nose and flavor are delicious on a cold night with friends. If it wasn't for the rarity (at least in Texas) and the price this would be a weekly drink.

Serving type: on-tap

04-22-2013 21:20:31 | More by J_Dub

Bouleboubier

Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Have had this maybe a handful of times - from undrinkable (the first time trying it, filtered through a Randall at the Rehoboth brewpub - tooo much!) to actually quite quaffable (as it was with last night's large pour).

A: generously served in a 12oz goblet (menu stated 8oz pour), it's a slightly hazy, copper-orange with a 1/2" slowly fading head with a vague cream-yellow tint. Moderate ringed lacing. One gets the sense that the beer is not light-drinking.

S: aggressively "hoppy" hop aromas, dank, resiny, piney/woody....vibrantly fruity - dried mango....smoothed-out, wort-y, hard-candy-like unfermentables, yet balanced wonderfully against the hops, with the alcohols and phenols present yet surprisingly understated

T/M: as in the smell, they really balanced everything out so well in this batch....actually does not come across nearly as bitter as it's billed - the malt sugars, several notches short of cloying, tone down the bitterness and perhaps the overall intensity of the citrus-resiny, silky-spicy hop flavor itself - that same malt foundation, while surprisingly allowing an almost roasty-nutty, cereal-like grain flavor to somehow poke through, also blankets the burn/bite of the high alcohol superbly - comforting alcohol warmth still manages to ribbon through 2/3 the way through each sip, but it's a creeper for sure....often, in past samplings, came across to me as "hop syrup", but this one was refreshingly on the drier side for once

O: certainly not for everybody, including myself....in the mood for an intense, rich, hoppy cordial of a beer? this is king....and when they nail it, they really nail it, and it's wonderful and an achievement in brewing to marvel at!...something to keep tuned in to batch-to-batch....

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2013 20:21:05 | More by Bouleboubier

BeardedBrewReview

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A: Copper, hazy, with a small white head

S: Sweet, Resiny, Caramel

T: Alcohol burn, sweet honey, melon, very little bitterness

M: Heavy with a little carbonation

O: Lots and lots of flavor, alcohol burn stays with you without being overbearing, sweet

Serving type: on-tap

04-07-2013 03:42:56 | More by BeardedBrewReview

RaulMondesi

California

2.53/5  rDev -37.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75

I assume that this is the kind of stuff the Egyptians drank - and no wonder they went extinct. I mean, I know this juice is the kind of stuf that can get you lifted, but back in Raul's dark days, he has siphoned diesel fuel that tasted better than this rocket sauce. It was a nice experience, but Raul does not approve.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2013 23:21:30 | More by RaulMondesi

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On Tap at J Ryans Syracuse NY

Appearance - Copper colour with a very small size fizzy/frothy off-white coloured head. There a low amount of carbonation and there is some fair lacing. The head lasted for only a minute or two.

Smell - Malts, hops, oranges, pineapple, caramel

Taste & Mouth - There is a below average amount of carbonation and I can taste hops and malts mixed with grapefruit and oranges. There is also a caramel/sugary/pineapple sweetness and it ends with a bitter hop aftertaste.. but not as bitter as I would have expected.

Overall - I've had an aged bottle previous to this and I can say that I much preferred it fresh. If you have a few bottles it's worth aging one to see how it changes but make sure you drink most of it fresh.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2012 19:01:02 | More by spinrsx

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.33/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a snifter at Rapture. From notes. Reviewed 24 July 2011.

A: A finger of nice head fades rather fast. The beer is cloudy-clear and orange-amber. Scattered lacing.

S: Huge, boozy, and fruity. A touch of hops (and maybe even citrus) underneath the strongly sweet alcohol.

T: Better than the recent bottle I sampled. Lighter and less oppressively sweet. It doesn't taste as strong as it is. Hops on the endtaste linger on in the sweet-dry aftertaste/finish. A more balanced maintaste than the bottle -- loads of hops are still completely overridden by honeyed alcohol, but it's not cloying. Well-made if...overambitious?

M: Smooth, sweet, but less substantial than anticipated. Hoppy-dry at times, which is great!

O: Good beer. Recommended on-tap. I might have again, if not anytime soon. Well-balanced for a super-strong beer. Enjoyable and impressive.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2012 23:42:16 | More by AgentMunky

tectactoe

Michigan

3.66/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the Oak, 6-oz in a tulip. Nice golden-yellow with strong overtones of orange. A bit foggy in the glass, small white head that doesn't last for long. The nose is oh-so-powerful, full of hops, citrus, and alcohol to the max. Going into this knowing it's an ~18% ABV beer, I was nervous about the taste. To my surprising, it's not nearly as strong or overbearing as you might think. The brew is laid out with a malt character, toasted grains, and a bit of yeast. On top of that are wild, bitter hops, and intense citrus flavors. The bitterness is balanced well by the citrus and the malt. Now I'm not saying the alcohol wasn't noticeable - it certainly was. It provided a strong bite on the forefront and fizzled into an intense warmth and tingling sensation for the rest of the sip. You can feel it warming up your throat and stomach on the way down, too. BUT - it worked well with the beer and was done quite masterfully. It wasn't too strong, making the beer undrinkable, rather it turned the beer into something you have to sit and sip gently, like a fine whiskey. Thick, heavy, carbonated a ton, and a bit sticky on the mouth.

Overall, this isn't something you'd relax with and throw back a sixer. It's obviously much to assertive for something like that. It deserves more care and pampering, like a top shelf mixer. Even though this beer wasn't the greatest, it provided a nice experience and is something I would definitely have again, given the time.

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2012 13:02:46 | More by tectactoe

Psyko

California

4.03/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

120 Minutes
On Tap
8 oz pour served in a tulip glass

Had this beer Monday November 5th at the local “Cheesehead” deli with a cheddar cheese sandwich and some Zapp’s Crawtaters.

A: Pours a nice shade of orange with a thick 3 finger head. Slightly cloudy with a bit of chill haze going on. Some alcohol legs are present on this 18% IIPA.

S: There is a pleasant tropical fruit and grapefruit smell. Finishes with a nice booze burn.

T: As expected there is malty toffee backbone. There is a very pronounced hop smack to the face but not as much as expected. The grapefruit is more pronounced that the tropical fruit with a long lingering bitter finish.

M: Not expected is the lack of the mouth coating dank that you find in Pliny, Knuckle Sandwich, Double Bastard or Exponential Hoppiness. I was looking forward to the resinous oily mouthfeel...

O: I have been waiting for years to try this bastard, but I always seemed to missed the boat. Now that I have had it I would have to say I am a little let down. To any IPA lover I say search it out but if you don’t find it, not a big loss, there are better IIPA’s out there.

Serving type: on-tap

11-06-2012 06:13:02 | More by Psyko

martyl1000

Wisconsin

4.88/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

on tap at hops and Hominey,San Francisco. Awesome. Burnt orange beautiful poor in a snifter with I finger off white head. The aroma is surprisingly sweet Ford.

I love it. Rather than an imperial I pee a, this drinks more like an American style barley wine barley wine. listed at 22 percent ABV.

Serving type: on-tap

10-31-2012 00:57:37 | More by martyl1000

Cambo04

5/5  rDev +24.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

With this high alcohol content you would think it would be to much, but oh how it's not. If I hear about this beer being on tap in Dallas, I'm there for the tapping. I love this beer. It pours with a small head but deep caramel color and it just tastes incredible. I also just bought a 4 pack and am aging them at different intervals. I hope everyone can try this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2012 15:05:59 | More by Cambo04

Morgan-makes-Cloud

1.43/5  rDev -64.5%
look: 1.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 2 | overall: 1

I had this on tap at noc noc in San Francisco. I really wanted to try a triple IPA even though, honestly I was not fond of the 90min Dogfish - truth be told, not too fond of Dogfish brewery as a whole. Watched them on Brew Masters and kind of found their brewer to be a douche.

Anyway the beer was served in a wine glass

no head whatsover, not even a lil lip bumper.

tasted so overwhelmingly like alcohol - it had none of that IPA hop bouquet that I look for.

Took awhile to drink - after the first few sips the burn was so much that I felt like I needed a nice refreshing IPA to use a a chaser for this beer.

Really it tasted more like an amalgamation between brandy and whiskey that's sparkling. What IPA taste was there was more Belgium style.

Anyway, won't waste my money again.

Cheers

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2012 22:47:50 | More by Morgan-makes-Cloud

yorlummass

4.2/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is an excellent beer, especially considering the amount of alcohol they tried to pack in to this bottle with a significant wallop. The alcohol presence is quite noticeable uopn first taste but it is a taste that grows on the drinker as the bottle descends into nothingness. Warning, not for the occasional drinker.

Serving type: on-tap

09-28-2012 12:04:40 | More by yorlummass

JDizzle

Indiana

4/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Central City Tap House in Kalamazoo, MI.
$8 for an 8oz pour. 18% 120IBU

Pours a beautiful copper orange that is glowing. Great white head that settles down to a ring.
Smells hoppy, but not an overkill as I had hoped for. It definitely has a nail polish remover smell to it, but the citrusy hops comes through more.
Wow, very powerful IPA here that gives up some appeal due to the booze and medicine flavor. The hops come through and it's bitter, but I get too much of the issue previously mentioned.
Mouthfeel is thick and syrupy. Lasting flavors are booze heavy.

Glad I got this on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2012 17:44:20 | More by JDizzle

troysoy2

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in Chimay goblet, on tap at 99 Bottles in Carnegie, PA. $12

Thin off white head recedes quickly, but sticks around as a thin surface cover. The body has a golden brown color, much like a whisky. Surprising clarity. You can see straight through this ale.

Smells of juicy citrus, prominently grapefruit. When I say juicy, I mean JUICY.

Grapefruit, grainy alcohol heat. Hops tickle the tongue, complimenting the moderately boozy mouthfeel.

Yeah, it was good. Nothing to go crazy over, and if not for the limited availability, not really worth the price. I know, it's meant to be a bit one-dimensional when fresh, but I felt it was just a little too... one dimensional. Would be interesting in trying it aged.

Serving type: on-tap

08-29-2012 22:27:40 | More by troysoy2

Philousa

California

3.85/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

Imbibed at Good Karma on 7/19. Reviewed from notes.

Opaque orange with a thin layer of white head. Color reminds me of the spots on a giraffe. The head come out well with a stiff swirl and sticks around a while. They definitely tapped this right.
Extremely piney and a little tingly on the nose. Hops dominate, as expected. Vinous an weedy with concentrated nectar. Slightly metallic malt, but that may just be the alcohol aroma burning my nostrils. Nice pale malt flavor up front. I actually get some biscuit and creaminess before the hop assault. The pine is thick and it turns metallic, like it's concentrated enough to qualify as an acid. It's akin to an attack on my taste buds, leaving them smoldering and tingly. That said, there is some nectar and sweet thickness reminiscent of honey. Hot alcohol flushes the forehead after a while. First time I've had that from a non barrel aged beer.
This has a good amount of body, not surprising considering the amount of malt put into this. Dry finish also unsurprising.

This was a hop monster through and through. I'm really quite amazed that they were able to pull off such a highly alcoholic beer that was even remotely balanced. Sure it was acidic, but it was palatable. Big props for that. The taste is something different, a little one note. To be expected for sure, since this is somewhat of a novelty. It's a good kind of novelty that I'll be trying again in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

08-23-2012 17:47:04 | More by Philousa

Ncpogs

Illinois

4.6/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Talk about a beer that delivers on both taste and aroma. It has such a unique blend of hops that makes you want to keep drinking more.

The dry hopping gives it such a rich aroma and fragrance that will stay with you. The high alcohol content needs to be monitored because it drinks very smooth for an Imperial IPA. It does have a nice back end bite with just enough bitterness to not be overwhelming. Definitely worth a try for any serious beer drinking.

Serving type: on-tap

08-11-2012 03:59:24 | More by Ncpogs

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

2.33/5  rDev -42.2%
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Pours a clean orange-ish color with a small white head. In the aroma, well, it smells of nail polish remover. In the taste, dry, pine like hops and alcohol, with notes of nail polish remover. A smooth and medium bodied mouthfeel, with a dry alcohol and small hop presence in the aftertaste. It is like nail polish remover/ rubbing alcohol, with a touch of pine hops.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2012 17:25:51 | More by OWSLEY069

jaasen64

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Yardhouse by Fenway as one of their "limited-draft beers". Served in a "shorty" glass- about a 8-10oz mini pint glass.

A- Pours a surprisingly very translucent light golden bronze (I was expecting a little bit more haze in this one), about a quarter finger of white head that quickly recedes. Slightly below average carbonation.

S- Dry hops, caramel malts, and some booze- not nearly as much as I was expecting from the 18% abv though. About average aroma strength.

T- Dry earthy hops, some light citrus + pine, sweet caramel malts, and a little bit of booze. Lightly sweet + a little bit hoppy aftertaste. Pretty well-balanced between the flavors, nothing is too over-powering.

M- A little bit syrupy but not bad for a 18%abv, definitely some alcohol burn, but very smooth for it's abv.

O- For a 18% IPA this was very good, however I think I prefer sticking to the 90 + 75 minute. For it's abv, the beer was surprisingly easy to drink however the aroma and taste weren't anything that I thought was spectacular. A nice rarity to drink every once in awhile, but definitely not something I would drink regularly, especially considering it's price. For $7.25 for a 8oz serving though I can't complain (considering it's being sold for $12 at the stores).

Serving type: on-tap

06-24-2012 22:22:23 | More by jaasen64

rodlavers

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap, into a Belgian Independence Day 10 oz. tulip.

A. Very light tan almost white head, thin, subsides rather quickly, ad clings to the ring of the glass. No lacing on this one. Translucent golden orange coloring, takes light well.

S. Spices, hops, sweet malts.

T. This is very sweet, with a little bit of spice at the same time. It's hoppy, too, but there is no evidence in taste this is 18% ABV. It's strong, but does not taste as strong as it is. Aftertaste is spice with hops.

M. Not terribly impressed with mouthfeel, hurts drinkability a bit. Syrupy, but goes down real slow.

O. I enjoy this beer, but only very rarely. I'd like to age a few bottles if I can get my hands on it. I recommend trying it. 120 is like the 90, but way more intense; flavors are similar.

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2012 16:34:33 | More by rodlavers

Taylor8189

4.9/5  rDev +21.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

First off, this beer is quite possibly the best beer (not just IPA) in the world.

The appearance is typical for an IPA, dark orange, and a cm white head sitting on top.

I gave the smell a 4.5 only because it is very deceiving. The smell is typical for an IPA; citrus, hoppy, a little bit of alcohol, and some piney notes.

Now for the taste...this is where this beer shines. When you read 18% alcohol you're expecting a little bite from every sip..not a hint of alcohol on the initial taste of this beer. Tastes like a ridiculously good DIPA. As this beer got warmer, the flavors came out even more.

The carbonation is perfect, not too much, not too little. The drinkability of this beer is unreal. It's 18% alcohol but i found myself finishing the beer within ten minutes and this was my fourth beer of the night!

Overall, the beer is fantastic. The price is what it is for a reason; its amazing. Possibly the best IPA in the world. Dogfish has really set the bar with this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2012 02:09:34 | More by Taylor8189

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Got a 4.5 oz taster of this for 3 bucks at the Beermuda.

A - OK so I know this beer is supposed to be dark (or at least hazy compared to pictures online) But mine arrives clear bright amber brown with a 1/4 inch of sticky white head. Close to the Sculpin in color actually.

S - I agree with others it just doesn't seem to smell that hoppy. It is a double edged sword as I smell little to no alcohol as well.

T - I had to double check but since the owner knows his beer (and a caught a small buzz from the sample) this has to be 120. Taste is almost like hop juice but doesn't really hit any overbearing bittering aspect. The middle of the palate is like a barleywine where the malts hit you hard like a DIPA should and the finish is again bitter but in no way overbearing. I did sip this moderately slow so I could see over 4oz be overbearing (especially as it warms up the ABV shines through) but the 4oz I had was perfect.

M - Not as heavy as I anticipated but I could see this turn away the average beer lover. Such a big bold DIPA.

Overall considering this I would gladly pay the 8 bucks to try it in the bottle to see if it's close to this experience but its really nothing to seek out again strictly novelty.

Serving type: on-tap

05-26-2012 02:00:57 | More by DrDemento456

notchucknorris

California

4.38/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Been wanting to try this a while. Finally had on tap at Toronados.

A: Pours a dark golden color with a very thin cream colored head.

S: Smell is way more "IPA" than I was expecting. Citrusy hops, pine, cedar and oak all present with a bit of caramel and earthy malt tucked in the background.

T: It's definitely a big boy, but this is smooth as hell. Big and malty upfront with a firm and piny hoppy backbone. Alcohol is definitely there, but it's remarkably well hidden. Mouthfeel has just enough prickly carbonation to hold down the syrupy ness. Really well done.

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2012 20:40:32 | More by notchucknorris

PorterLambic

Florida

4.48/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Arrives a lot darker than expected. Tan head drops pretty quickly to a ring. Won't see any lace here.
Smell is full of grapefruit and pine with oak and a moderating maltiness, vanilla as well..
Taste is hoppy with pine/evergreen notes, some citrus and a lot more malt than I expected. Alcohol, no surprise, is noticeable but not off-putting. Vanilla, spice and whiskey notes as well.
Full bodied, lightly effervescent. Some coating of the palate and tongue. Warming throughout. A serious beer meant to be lingered over, not slammed back. Enjoy slowly.
Additionally, this is a fresh keg and as such, will be more aggressive in the hop notes and weaker in the malt. Need to try it aged a few years or even months. Definitely a "must try" beer, even for malt heads like me.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2012 00:15:24 | More by PorterLambic