Zombie Dust - Three Floyds Brewing Co. & Brewpub

Fux

France

4.33/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes. On tap at Mikkeller bar.
A: Clear golden / copper color with a small white head.
S: Smell is very hoppy, with mainly tropical fruits (mango, passion-fruit)
T: The taste follows the nose, very fruity, also resinous. Finishes quite bitter.
M: Medium bodied, with a good carbonation, very refreshing.
O: A very nice pale ale. I would have called it an IPA, very fruity and tasty given the ABV.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2013 16:36:19 | More by Fux

rodlavers

Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Served in a pint glass at Local Optiom in Chicago. Pours a hazy but vibrant orange/golden color with a really thin white head, and lots of thick cling.

Smells of bright mango/passion/citrus fruit, with a nice hop balance.

Taste is similar, with mango most obvious. It also has this resinous character to it, but it's not too piney.

Feel is nice and smooth for the style, light to medium carbonation, but nice and creamy. There is a distinct pulp aftertaste.

Overall, Zombie Dust probably not a 5. It's very good, and I'm glad I got to try it. Would love to sample in a bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2013 16:13:01 | More by rodlavers

HOP_KING

Illinois

4.81/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

My favorite beer. Have had many chances to drink this and it's failed me zero times. I've gotten sick of other citra hop beers but not this one, it sustains everything that I like about beer. An excellent make by FFF.

I rated it high so will discuss more about areas I didn't give it a 5, also excuse my inability to phrase fruity descriptions on paper.

Appearance is always good, though I do prefer appearance of a slightly darker ale. Smell is fantastic, though a beer like Westvleteren to me has a better aroma. A bit more kick I suppose.

Taste, as noted above my favorite so it gets the top rating. With that had to give it top rating for mouthfeel too seeing that everytime I finish a sip or gulp in my head I'm smiling and thinking wow that was fantastic. I probably do this in reality sometimes too.

Overall, a solid 4.75.

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2013 02:46:13 | More by HOP_KING

stewart124

Ohio

4.71/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

On tap at Party Source in Kentucky and poured into a snifter.

Orange-yellow in color with decent lacing and as I drank more lacing was evident.

Needless to say there was a ton of citrus and juicy-fruit in the nose.

Sharp. Huge hop presence but that's what this is all about. Beautiful malt character to accentuate the hops. This is bitter without scaring anyone away. Drinks a bit bigger than 6.4%.

Lingering resin and pine on the tongue. Finishes very dry.

Absolutely beautiful.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2013 00:39:33 | More by stewart124

Infamous7100

Ohio

4.49/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: pours a deep orange near ruby color. A decent finger width white head with decent lacing.
S: loads of citrus fruits and pine notes. A fantastic balance between floral fragrances and pineapple, sugar and lemon.
T: starts with a malty bang but is quickly subdued by the bittering hops and crisp citrus flavors. Both aspects are intense and complex but are in perfect symmetry. Impressed.
M: medium bodied with a similar carbonation level. Slightly creamy. Coats the tongue completely without battering it with hops. It's wonderfully smooth and finishes clean.
O: worth the wait, worth the price. For a guy who isn't enamored with overly hoppy pale ales, this was done extremely well. It is intricately balanced, complex and flavorful. If you get the chance, pick this up.

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2013 02:45:50 | More by Infamous7100

zombiereview

1.85/5  rDev -60.1%
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

Appearance was fine. Nothing to write home about; no complaints.

The major problem was the nose. I've had this beer on draft form two different bars in Chicago and both times I could not finish even one pint. This beer has an overwhelmingly body-odor-like aroma. The smell was dense and lingering. All I could think about were the summers I've spent in crowded eastern european subways.

Generally I love FFF, but I will definitely not be drinking ZD again anytime soon.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2013 03:47:54 | More by zombiereview

Casedogg43

Indiana

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

My Updated review gives Zombie Dust a 5.5.
It ain't going down in score I promise that! Cheers!

Can I give a10 out of 5 for the smell of Zombie Dust!
This I'd the most addictive smelling brew I've ever had the pleasure of drinking! ( over and over).

Color is just as it should be, nice head, smooth lines while drinking.

You can smell this beer from 5 feet away, and the smell is Citrus heaven.

Very flavorful, sharp grapefruit, oranges and hops. But not the smack down of sweetness you'd expect.
Finish is smooth as silk and begs you to buy some to take home!
Best overall tasting APA I've ever had!

Thank god for Indiana craft beers!!!

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2013 03:41:25 | More by Casedogg43

JakeMorgan13

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

the appearance is a glowing yellow. it smells very hoppy. a smell that you will come back for. the taste is a strong hoppy flavor. its just strong enough. its followed by a kind of sweet settling on the tongue. this is the best beer. you just have to try it

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2013 02:38:40 | More by JakeMorgan13

hagbergl

Massachusetts

4.85/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Mmmmm...Zombie Dust, one of the legendary American Pale Ales, is miraculously served on tap quite regularly here at the University of Chicago's on campus bar, The Pub. I enjoyed a couple pints of this impossibly juicy hop nectar last Wednesday. Review is from notes. Served in a pint glass.

Appearance (4/5): Minimal, 1/4 inch head due to a poor pour by a fairly incompetent bartender...but I digress. I'm sure the head would be luxuriant, bubbly, and white if there was one. Zombie Dust is copper-hued/light orange, clear, and visibly effervescent. Looks like just another pale ale. Nothing incredible about the appearance, but this isn't exactly a huge problem.

Smell (4.75/5): The nose is enough to make any hop head cry tears of joy. It is extraordinarily fruity, juicy, and demonstrates all those grapefruit, passion fruit, and mango notes that distinguish intensely hopped ales. In the mix are your standard piney, resiny aromas, but the fruit notes steal the spotlight. Deep, dank, bold, pungent. Simply excellent.

Taste (5/5): Super fruity, highly citrusy–grapefruit flavors tower above any other tasting notes. Zombie Dust=ruby red grapefruit delivery system. Zombie Dust is also quite dank. I must remark, the malt nicely compliments the hops and lends the beer good body. Additionally, I enjoy how the beer isn't intensely bitter; rather it is intensely (and enjoyably) fruity. This is a well-constructed APA that isn't totally out of balance. Probably the best tasting Pale Ale NOT named Hill Farmstead Edward I've drank.

Mouthfeel (4.5/5): Nice tongue coating citric aftertaste and a long juicy grapefruit finish. Medium carbonation, medium body. Considerably more body and hoppiness than your average pale ale.

Overall (4.75/5): Zombie Dust is one of those highly-hoppy American Pale Ales that's almost an IPA. Some people might get caught up in stylistic hair-splitting...that's not for me. This is a phenomenal tasting ale that beautifully showcases the power of Citra hops. It's juicy, dank, fruity, mildly bitter, and will flood your mouth with wave after wave of hop flavor. There's a reason why this a legendary ale. Reputation earned and confirmed. Boom.

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2013 06:26:10 | More by hagbergl

Imperial_Sapient_Groat

Michigan

4.99/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Went to the brewery yesterday for the first time and picked up two cases, might be a little bit better on tap,but these bottles are amazing. I guess its a pale ale, but an amazing smooth citra hopped beer none the less. Amazing, Dust doesn't disappoint

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2013 06:27:47 | More by Imperial_Sapient_Groat

ClintonRalston

Indiana

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Its without a doubt one of the best beers I've ever had the pleasure of drinking! I stop by the The Floyds Brewery every time I get a chance. If your lucky they might have some for sale. They limit how much you can buy so I'll usually get as much as they'll let me. Its great out of a bottle but its even better on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

01-18-2013 22:19:49 | More by ClintonRalston

BobKieffer

4.38/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I was in Chicago last spring with a friend for a conference and this was far and away our go-to beer for the weekend. Had a great flavor, looked fantastic and finished like a dream. I'm in North Carolina now and, unfortunately, Three Floyds doesn't distribute here, otherwise I'd have a bottle in front of me right now. Good stuff. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2013 01:53:50 | More by BobKieffer

bound4er

Wisconsin

4.7/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A. Dark straw to golden colored with a nice white head. Laces well.

S. Citrus hops dominate - from the smell of things one gets a sense that the taste will be phenomenal. Pineapple, orange, mango, etc.

T. A quaffable, great tasting beer that does everything well. Very tropical upon entry with just enough malt to add balance without sweetness. Finishes long and crisp. Damn near perfect.

M. Low to medium bodied with good carbonation.

O. For such a drinkable beer it is amazing how much flavor is packed into this stuff. I wish this was available in bottles around here - it would be a staple in my fridge. Well done, highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2013 14:43:28 | More by bound4er

zrbeer1579

Illinois

4.76/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 5

I was very excited to finally try this beer. It lives up to my expectations.

Appearance: A nice orange- light copper with a white one finger head and some good lacing.

Aroma: Very hoppy. Grapefruit, pine, pineapple, tangerine, mango, and a little floral.

Taste: Very similar to the aroma. Tropical fruits and pine. A little bit of caramel-toasty malt. The malt becomes a bit stronger as the beer warms, but the hops dominate heavily all throughout.

Mouthfeel: Median bodied and carbonation. The finish is a little dry and hops bitterness lingers shortly. Very easy to drink.

Overall: This is a great hoppy pale ale. It leans more of an IPA. Tons of flavors. I really enjoyed Zombie Dust and something I will happily have again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2012 01:14:54 | More by zrbeer1579

beersnob_kyle

Indiana

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

on tap at the brewpub on more than one occasion.

this is why i started loving beer, rather than liking it. the first sip is just WOW! and you want more, FFF really hit a cult classic with this brew.

A: light is color with a white head.

S: HOPS, HOPS, HOPS, citrus, grapefruit, any fruit you can imagine into this beer is there.

T: HOPS, fruit, malts, and more HOPS.

M: fizzy but not like a $5 6-pack, like a very good pale ale.

O: would drink this again, and again, and again, and again, and again.. if you get the chance to order this on tap or if a friend offers you a 12oz bottle, don't turn it down!

cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

12-11-2012 14:23:20 | More by beersnob_kyle

ratatat

Wisconsin

4.68/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I ordered an an Arctic Panzer Wolf before I realized what I was missing. Panzer Wolf is very good, but too hot. Zombie Dust is exactly what I wanted. The panzer wolf is left panting in the dust.

A- great lacing, decent color. Clear. Not remarkable, but nice.
S- Subtle, but great nose. Accurately reflects its flavor. Pine and citrus.
T- Wow. Great beer. Head slap, but I want more. Impressive.
M- not too dry or bitter. Touches all my taste buds.

Deserve a world-class rating. I can't believe I lasted this long without this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2012 02:30:19 | More by ratatat

mishtif

Illinois

4.98/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

poured into a pint glass.

i heard all the hype around this beer and it made me drive to the brewpub and try it.

I was very happy with this brew.

Pours a hazy golden color with 1 finger head on it

taste like fresh citris and notes of pine and greapdruit .

medium body - drinks great on a hot day

it finishes with a strong dry hop

All in all this is my favorite beer to drink anytime, doesnt amtter if you sittin in tha garage with a few friends, or at the pub on a cold winter day.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2012 18:36:18 | More by mishtif

bcgood

4.98/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is my new favorite beer. My favorite bartender here in Fort Wayne, IN suggested it to me and boy was he right! This is a new level for IPAs and honestly the new standard. I've been drinking beer for awhile now and honestly this is the best IPA I've had yet. If you ever get a chance to taste this direct from the tap I highly suggest it!

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2012 19:35:45 | More by bcgood

ClarkHimself

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On draft in Chicago's Local Option.

Given the pedestal my beer friends puts this beer upon, I was a initially underwhelmed when I finally had a full pint in front of me. The beer was surprisingly clear and lacking in the nice creamy head I was expecting. The first fruity, citrusy whiff put those fears to bed, however. Delicious hoppy goodness with bits of orange peel. The taste follows with a nice hop punch and tastes of grapefruit. Just awesome! This embodies the smooth, fruity IPA/AIPAs that I love. Really great stuff that is not to be missed if you have the opportunity.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2012 02:27:23 | More by ClarkHimself

gonzowestwood

Connecticut

4.73/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap @ 3 Floyd's brewery in a pint glass

A - nice clear light orange rust with white two finger head (4.5)
S- a tropical fruit punch, orange, mango, pineapple,guava but surprisingly light (4)
T- wow! A sweet malty cotton candy sweet. Kind of like guava juice. Also get mango, orange peel. Very very nice
M-finishes dry and a little bitter like an IPA. (4.5)
O- Is this the best pale ale on earth ? No question. This goes without saying but it's a lot better on tap. Had a few bottles after this and wasn't the same. (5)

Serving type: on-tap

10-30-2012 03:57:08 | More by gonzowestwood

Trifecta1

Illinois

4.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

What can I say that hasn't already been said? FFF has worked some magic into this one. Had both on-tap, fresh at the Brewpub, on-tap in cold fall air-chilled kegs during Dark Lord Day, and ~50 bottles. Same story from all of them.
Appearance is a light bronze/honey color with plenty of carbonation and a creamy-looking head. The smell is of grapefruits and oranges, and the infamous Citra hop, the only hop this brew is made with, refreshing. Taste follows the nose. Absolutely refreshing, clean, crisp, citrus fruit taste, with more pineapple, orange, and an alcohol sweetness coming into play as it warms. Clean, smooth, almost milky mouthfeel, plenty of carbonation keeps it light and highly drinkable. The hype is real on this, and in my opinion, it truly is the best APA on the market. Just swung by the brewery again to pick up another case of 24. Too good to pass up.

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2012 01:02:19 | More by Trifecta1

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I've had people say that this beer is better than Pliny and really talk this up quite a bit.

Well, the citra hops are clearly in play here. Strong hop presence. Good bitterness. I wish that the flavor profile would last a bit longer, honestly. It hits, and it's nice, but it definitely doesn't last as long as I'd like; or as long as it should, really.

In the grand scheme of things, it's a very nice beer. Brings some punch, but doesn't go overboard. I suppose that's what a pale ale is supposed to do.

I can't say that it's better than Pliny, off what I'm having here. (It's dipa vs. apa and apples vs. oranges). But it's a good beer. I'll have to try it on bottles one day.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2012 22:57:20 | More by RblWthACoz

argock

Virginia

4.53/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on-tap in a clear waisted glass at The Publican (Chicago, IL).

A: Medium-amber with soft 1/2-finger cap of foamy light beige head with good retention and plenty of lacing.

S: Explosive nose of grapefruit, pineapple, mango, and passionfruit with big floral aromas as well. There is some resiny components as well. The maltiness plays second fiddle.

T: The flavor is very hoppy but not astringent and just moderately bitter which allows the big fruity pineapple, grapefruit, and mango notes be maximally enjoyed. The maltiness provide more crystal sweetness, although it is very light, like 20L, along with a fair dose of Munich to supply some light breadiness. I agree that this tastes more like an APA, but it is very aggressively hopped for aroma and flavor with a restrained bitterness.

M: Incredibly drinkable with a moderately dry finish along with light-to-medium body and soft carbonation to give a creamy and lighter than expected feel.

O: A wonderful beer that I was very glad to get a chance to try on-tap. It drinks right on the edge of APA-IPA styles but feels more like a hefty APA than a light IPA, although neither of those would be wrong. A superb beer and I was surprised to find out it was brewed exclusively with Citra -- need to try brewing one of those soon!

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2012 03:39:47 | More by argock

adamette

Ohio

3.53/5  rDev -23.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Enjoyed by me on tap at Chef Paul’s Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, Illinois July 26th, 2012 in the presence of my brother in law Mat. I believe the place had been renamed simply “Bavarian Lodge” but I still refer to it as “Chef Paul’s.” By any name this is a world class BeerAdvocate place. Anyone reading this should seek it out.
Review from notes taken while I enjoyed the beer.

A Moderate light head over a "Miller Lite" body. Really, this is a translucent yellow body. 3.0

S Significant hops to the nose with some malt on repeated sniffs. 3.5

T Well crafted pale ale with significant hops presence and minimal malt buried deep in the background behind the hops. 3.5

M Moderate feel for the style. 3.0

D/O Very good drinkability. I could drink 5 of these. Overall this is a solidly made APA. 4.0

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2012 04:09:04 | More by adamette

LarryK

New York

5/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I know it's easy to say, given that it's the top-rated APA in the world and all, but I believe Zombie Dust exceeds the accolades/hype. Living in New York I have had to move mountains to get my hands on substantial quantities of this delicious elixir (have also been fortunate enough to have on tap numerous times), and it's been more than worth it each and every time.

Appearance: Perfect orange.

Smell: Monster citrus aroma; this is literally the best-smelling beer ever. Heady is up there, but given the choice I'd give the nod to ZD. The Citra hops just explode and make love to your nostrils.

Taste: As if the aromatic citric assault weren't enough, this single-hopped paean to Citra blows you away with a palate-pleasing melange of citrusy/grapefruit taste across the citrus spectrum. If you are ever presented with just one bottle you must turn it down, because you are going to want more.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, medium-carbonation, harmoniously pleasing to the taste buds.

Overall: This is the finest beer on earth. At 6.4% it's pushing the upper limits of what you can realistically call an APA, but it doesn't matter what a beer is categorized as when it tastes like this.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2012 13:04:01 | More by LarryK