Burton Baton - Dogfish Head Brewery

blitheringidiot

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Aged bottle pours out with a golden amber hazy peach hue with a razor thin scattered head cap. Slightly unimaginative appearance is brought on by the high ABV. A few swirls erupt a cushion of cap that instantly settles.

Boozy gin and woody nose of deep orange and lemons. Brisk scents of tangerine and Tang drink.

First swigs: Detectable oak barrel meets citrous grapefruit acidic sizzle and clean finish. Loads of citrous character such as grapefruit and lemon. A bit of a warmer.

Feel is quite rich and full bodied, with a lingering warmth. Quite the drinkable sipper.

Last swigs: Man is this stuff good! Definitely a favorite 2IPA of mine. Curious as to how aging would affect this brew.

Beer is good. Happy strong beering.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2005 06:00:23 | More by blitheringidiot

BrewMaster

California

4.38/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Poured from a 12 oz bottle with no freshness markings on it into a 25 oz crystal sniffer glass. The beer pours a glowing orange color with a billowing off-white head. The head thins rather quickly but swirling revives and creamy head that shows better retention. The head is very sticky and coats the sides of the glass with lacing.

Smell: Earhty hoppiness opens scent. Contributions smelling of grass, dried peaches, pine, raspberry seed, and a light maltiness fighting through with some caramel scents. The nose is dominated by the hop smell.

Taste: The flavor opens malty with a strong fruit character. It slides more to a pectin-like dried fruit flavor with brown sugar. The hop flavor is dry and quite significant giving a light bitterness up front that fades to reveal more enjoyable maltiness. The malt is very fruity near the end with tastes of berries, spicy peach slurpee, straw and a light earthy component that is present through the entire beer but stronger near the end. This beer is resiny sweet and very complex.

Mouthfeel: Very sticky with a warmth to it in the mouth. It leaves a sweet, syrupy aftertaste all over my mouth. The fruitiness makes it feel very refreshing.

Drinkability: This beer is very well done. No flavor of alcohol at all. They hide the 10% magnificently with delicate layers of hop and malt flavor. I recommend you try this one if you haven't already.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2005 23:33:20 | More by BrewMaster

MABZ

Nebraska

3.9/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

I wasn't too impressed with this beer. I think I hyped myself up too much for the experience, unfortunately. It did seem to get better and better with each sip, but not enough to place it in the upper echelons of beers I've tried as of yet.

It pours to a ruby red amber color with a thin white bubbly head that recedes to a thin layer. No active carbonation, ho haze. If only this beer had a decent head, it would be worthy of a 5, but alas I only had a single 12 oz which yielded nothing.

The smell is very vanilla oaky. There is a very funky biscuit aroma to the malt, remnicient of the DFH Shelter Pale. Alcohol is huge and up-front in the nose.

The taste was very good as it warmed. Has a definite woody character to it that balances well with the malts and hops. The beer has a large residual sugar content as well as a bit of a tangy and tart sourness. The aftertaste starts off syrupy and sweet but really picks up on the vanilla character along with a hint of that funky, biscuity malt that I didn't quite like in the nose. The hops seem to stay low key in this beer, though they add a small spiciness on top of the alcohol bite.

The mouthfeel reveals the alcohol and woodiness, but seems to be a bit thin and watery. Finishes quite dry. Drinkability suffers, though I am sure I wouldn't turn down another.

Thanks to GCBrewingCo for this bottle.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2005 06:43:46 | More by MABZ

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.9/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks for the trade Squidswillbsquids (shane). Hoppy and smooth, blend of I believe 90 minute and something else. Boozy. Light orange with big head. Nicely carbonated. Crisp, and yet oak ageing. Long aftertaste. Great with a meal. Well balanced, well done.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2005 04:53:56 | More by northyorksammy

CRJMellor

Arkansas

4.18/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours an amber and orange hue with some heavily carbonated bubbles. Big dense foam head forms and then settles just as quickly.
Aroma of citrus and resined hop cones with herbal and flowery underlying notes. Caramel and even some grain come through underneath the more powerful citrus notes.
Flavors of caramel start off this brew and are joined by the citrus tones from the aroma as well as some darker citrus fruits as well.
Just a tad of spiciness from what I'm guessing is the yeast also shine through as it warms a tad.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied and fairly highly carbonated.
Very smooth blending of hop bitterings and chewy malts. Really well-balanced on the tongue.
Drinkability was really very high and good almost see this being a session beer as it was so easy and smooth to drink. Best DFH beer I've had in a long time.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2005 17:21:18 | More by CRJMellor

BuckSpin

Maine

4.38/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Let me start that I was not expecting a double digit ABV when I went to try this. However, this beer could really get one's self in trouble in that it is really well made, and therefore very drinkable.

Poured a deep rich amber color under a mixed 1/2" head of a lightly creamed foam. Nose is wonderful, and grew as it warmed. Initially strong florals dominate, noticably fruity but not citrused. As it warms the alcohol, woods and malts become more present. Notice the lack of hops? That is a testament to the brewers.

This is one well crafted beer. Being a double IPA you would think that its all about the hops, but exactly the opposite. Its very rich, smooth, thick on the tongue. This is surprisingly malted for a double IPA. Oh, there are hops, but they play a supporting role - perhaps the barrel aging toned them down. It is very drinkable, and the tastes all balance very well.

It swallows easy, not sharp like you may think, with the high ABV''s leaving a mellow glow on the throat, but it is certainly not out of balance.

This is an excellent beer regardless of genre. It is well crafted, and the barrel aging does wonders for it. Its nice to drink a well hopped beer that isn't over the head with hops, but rather plays them so well with & against the other flavors. I highly recommend this, and will look for more opportunities to try it again.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2005 03:19:28 | More by BuckSpin

babydoc

Kansas

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

Poured from a 12 oz bottle sent by Luckysevens82. Pours clear golden amber, with chapagne-like bubbles. Frothy one-finger ecru head slowly defervesces but never disappears, leaving some lace on the glass.

Nose didn't give me the citrus hops I was expecting- Instead, there was sweet apricot/peach/vanilla, with a touch of flowery hops. Very nice.
Wow. Sweet malty orange and fruits on the start, with some slight tartness and hop bitterness as the finish approaches, not a hop-bomb at all. Vanilla and oak swirl through the middle. Mouthfeel is lush, full; light velvety carbonation and slickness, drying a bit towards the end, but not a dry finish per se. The 10% alcohol contributes nicely to the mouthfeel and taste, and warming, but is wrapped nicely inside this brew. Thanks for the sample, Evan.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2005 01:51:35 | More by babydoc

Dithyramb

Maryland

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served out of the big bomber.
Carbonation filled orange with a bit of darkish sediment. Big creamy head
A citrus and floral mix, like oranges and roses.

Drinks like a fine champagne, but one with real mouthfell and a slicker tongue accent. A medium mouthfeel, with the same citrus and floral mix. Accents of oranges and lemons, with a chewy hop profile.

An almost perfect combination of chewy malts, hops, citrus notes. I could drink this one everyday

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2005 13:41:05 | More by Dithyramb

kegerator

Maryland

4.8/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

outstanding beer. very tasty indeed.
pours a coppery orange color with a nice 2 inch head thats frothy and slightly creamy. The smell is oaky with piney/citrusy hops and sugary malts rounding it off
taste is sweet up front with hints of pear and apple and suagry goodness and it finishes a little bitter and dry from the cirtusy hops and leaves a oaky hint lingering.
medium to full body, creamy with good carbonation. very drinkable but watch out

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2005 16:06:01 | More by kegerator

UnionMade

Colorado

4.38/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle format.
Fiery copper, topped with a thick, creamy white head. Good retention, nice brussels lacing. Decent clarity, with just a bit of a chill haze. Juicy, oaky hop aroma. Heavy pale malt, with a resiny pine prickle. The woody, oaken tones are superb. The flavor opens with a gorgeously fruity pale malt sweetness. Heavy notes of apple and pear, even a hint of maraschino cherry sweetness. Alcohol presents itself early, blended with a soothing oak character. Heavy hopping in the finish, yet integrated. Pine sap and a touch of citrus, with an underlying earthiness. Just enough of a bitter snap in the finish. An oaky hoppiness in the aftertaste. Fairly full bodied, with a sleepy carbonation. Very refreshing, despite it's strength. I'll certainly be trying this again. I'm a bit hit or miss with this brewery, but this is a big winner.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2005 03:48:44 | More by UnionMade

NearerMyBeerToMe

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a deep walnut brown with coppery highlights, the head fading quickly to a scant, grayish film that sort of clings lightly. Sigh... A few dozen slow, long-spaced streamers run through this translucent, sediment-free liquid. Smelled cool, it's a bit unassuming, like sniffing at dry herbs (oregano?) or stale biscuits, with definite whiffs of vanilla and oak in the finish. By the time the beer is at room temperature, though, it has absolutely blossomed, getting thick with bitter hop oils and even a basil-like sweetness. The taste profile evolves similarly, but to cut to the chase, think: grapefruit salsa broiled with a drizzle of maple syrup; mango chutney heavy on the cardamom; toasted caramel sweetness spread between bitter planks of pine. Absolutely superb three-pronged attack of sweet, spicy, and bitter. As the sweetness falls away and leaves behind a high and dry mouthfeel, I feel like I have to lick the bitter varnish off each and every one of my teeth. So smooth that you have to rely on your warming belly to realize that you'd better take it easy before this Baton cracks you across the head. IMHO, this is everything a double IPA should be.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2005 19:42:17 | More by NearerMyBeerToMe

beerislove

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a burnt copper color. The head sticks to the sides and leaves the nice slick on top that I love.

It smells a bit fruity and the oak aging comes through. It doesn't have the sharp hop aroma that I expected from the style.

It hits the tongue with an unexpected sweetness, not bitter at all. Muted notes of bread and bananas - banana bread? The slight bitterness of the hops and the oak notes come through in the finish. Very bready through the finish and the flavors linger in the mouth. The alcohol is well hidden and only reveals itself as the beer travels toward the stomach.

If you are expecting a heavy hand of hops to blast over your tongue, you are looking at the wrong beer. It is, however, a unique and tasty experience that I would recommend. The bottle recommends aging so I think I will put the other three in the cellar for a while. I can't wait to see how this oddity matures.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2005 22:08:04 | More by beerislove

OldFrothingSlosh

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to AKSmokedPorter for sharing this.

Somewhat cloudy in appearance, with a dark amber-infused copper color. Thin off-white head. Sparse lacing. Nose is wonderful. Hefty load of hoppy notes: fruity, with some fresh grapefruit detected prominently. Pine cones, perfumy flowers, some bitter chocolate. Flavor is good, but more tame than expected. 90-minute IPA blew me away, but this tasted more like a toned-down version of it with just a touch of "wood". The hops are pretty muted here, and the sweetness from the malt takes a larger role. ABV is hidden for a 10% ABV beer. Good mouthfeel...certainly more creamy than expected. Despite the high ABV, this was quite drinkable. Another neat beer from the gang at Dogfish. Well-done.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2005 22:06:52 | More by OldFrothingSlosh

connecticutpoet

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

All right... this is going to be a difficult review. I have to put aside all expectation that I had for this beer, distance myself from that, and go on its merits. That's why I took notes and waited a couple of weeks, so I could take it at face value.

This poured out a clear amber brew with a head under one finger. Some lacing.

The aroma was of oak tannins, aromatic hops, and slightly fruity malt. It was easily apparent that this was oak aged.

The taste was much more mellow than I expected for an IPA... the aging helped smooth everything out. It was mildly hoppy, with oak and malts in the middle (although the malt was not that rich), and the tannins were apparent. A bit of vanilla slipped in at the end.

Much more complex than the 90 minute IPA. Mouthfeel was very good and smooth, and the drinkability was quite good. It slid down the throat easily.

I didn't like it as much as the 90 minute, but it was damn good.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2005 03:44:10 | More by connecticutpoet

weeare138

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appears a cloudy dark orange with a one finger white head that lasts only for a minute. Spots of lacing, which lasts for most of the duration of the this beauty.
Smells of fresh hops, canned peaches, and a slight oakiness.
Tastes pretty much like one of my fav's, the 90 minute IPA ,at first with a slight oakiness. The ringwood trademark is evident.
Taste starts to change after about 15 minutes of sipping. Alcohol becomes more apparent and it becomes a tad more fruity. This is pretty much a 1-2 and done deal. Don't count on downing a sixer of these anytime soon. I'd get again.

Finger licking good!

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2005 01:07:10 | More by weeare138

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Lookin' at it... a hazed deep orange, with a fullish, creamy head capping it
Aroma: ahhh!!! that's my favorite aroma right there, in the first sniff...tropical fruits, banana and mango, peach and citrus, a truly beautiful mix, a gorgeous blend....so far, this is just what I'd desire in an uber-IPA, and I haven't even tasted it...
Oh, delicious...fullness of body, richness of flavor, dominant fruit, minor, relatively, bitterness, yumm...I can taste the whiskey flavor, from the oak-aging, I can get that character...and it's amazingly flavorful, with vanilla and oak twisting into the mix, what a wicked concoction...
If I had a 10-gallon hat, it would be off in honor of this immaculate creation.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2005 10:00:18 | More by feloniousmonk

mattcrill

Ohio

3.43/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Here we go...an oak aged imperial IPA. Let's see what oak does for IPAs. Thanks go out to BA bro cmaruschak for grabbing this one for me.

Appearance: Pours crystal clear orange heading toward a dusty light red with an off white, sudsy cap.

Smell: A little light on the nose. Some light, carmel malts and some bittering hops. Nothing to get excited about.

Taste: Some woody, musty taste up front (presumably from the oak), some bittering hops in the background, and a brush of carmel and citrus sweetness. The alcohol really shows up for business as this beer warms. Wow, this really isn't doing much for me. It tastes like it's blended well and has good character but this is more like a pale ale to me. It definitely tastes "aged" to me in that the hops are tamped down a bit. I like my double IPAs to hit me with hops or malts or both. This doesn't really do either.

Mouthfeel: Medium to light bodied and thin. Leaves a little hop bitterness on the palate but pretty light.

Drinkability: I could see me going through a few of these but with the higher ABV, I wouldn't. Still, not much of a challenge for the palate. I think throwing the aged stuff in there kind of dumbs this beer down a bit. I like my IPAs fresh.

Thanks again to cmaruschak for the opportunity to sample this rare one.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2005 22:44:16 | More by mattcrill

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

4.53/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours with a big head an a pretty dark gold colour. The nose is all hops but tempered with some age. The taste is a big oily IPA that resonates with wood and pine needles. The more you sip this beer , the more the depth of flavours weigh out. Drinkability is huge as the beer smooths out past the intial hop hit. A truly big step in the evolution of the Double IPA.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2005 15:43:12 | More by canucklehead

dauss

Colorado

3.9/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Presentation: Standard 12oz. bottle. No freshness stamp or notch, but at 10% ABV, its going to be well preserved.

Appearance: Very clear and bright golden orange body. A small white light tan head forms. Good retention and lacing.

Smell: Loads of resiny, grassy, almost minty hop aroma. It burns the nostrils a little, definite alcohol smell, almost overpowers the hops.

Taste: Very thick and sweet caramel malt backbone. Upfront citrusy hop flavor with a light and very smooth hop bitterness at the back of the tongue, and then everything slowly gets overpowered by the alcohol and malt. Slight oak flavors come through, but it is very subtle. The high hopping gives it a feeling that its going to taste astringent, but it never does.

Notes: Now that I've poured in the rest of the bottle, there is a good amount of yeast hazing and some large dark colored chunks. They're probably hops. Although it is 10% ABV, its not hot or solventy, although it is easily tasted, and a little too strong. Definitely needs more time to cellar. This beer is just way too sweet for me, that unrelenting malt just makes it hard to drink. I wish the oak was stronger also.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2005 03:01:45 | More by dauss

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

750ml bottle obtained via trade with LuckySevens82. Thanks for the opportunity... Corked and caged.

Poured into a Rapscallion glass, formed 1" of beige head over the light copper brew. Head lasts well, leaving a pillowy head, and heavy foamy lacing from top to bottom of the glass. Aroma is mutedly hoppy for a DFH brew. Taste is lightly fruity, with a tangy hops presence. Mouthfeel is where barrel-aging starts to show on this brew, very smooth, with some oaky notes at the same time. Drinkability for the style is incredible. An excellent brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2005 01:04:19 | More by ppoitras

MuddyFeet

North Carolina

4.63/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

My new favorite of all time. Too bad it is so expensive. Seen it range from $14/four up to $25/four.

The beer poured a shade off of burnt copper, and with a bit of haze. I got about a finger deep head on the beer that quickly went away. No lace.

The aroma was "old." It had age. Hops and something behind it all that would not come out until the taste.

That taste was all old aged wood. Reminded me of failing on tall ships. Fresh musty flavor. The malts were nicely balanced with the hops so that neither was overwhelming, but just was absorbed into the palate as one. The oak came through best in the finish. Also very pleasant vanilla and coconut tones.

The mouthfeel was pleasantly mellow an dry. But not so dry that it bored or knocked out one's tongue.It kept me coming back for more.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2005 20:36:12 | More by MuddyFeet

orbitalr0x

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Very excited to sample this one. Glowing golden orange pour with a nice thick, creamy white head atop. Lacing appears in patches on the glass. An enthraling, interesting mix of citric, somewhat piney hops, caramel/vanilla sweetness and a big woody, oaky aroma. Earthy.

First sip brings an awesome blend of mixed citrus hoppiness and earthy, oak barrel wood notes. There's a sweet caramel maltiness and vanilla tones that makes this one suprisingly not very bitter. The blend is lovely and oak is not overbearing...it complements the hoppiness perfectly. Alcohol is very well hidden as well. Damn tasty...gotta love the hoppy oak burps.

Mouthfeel is rich and full....with a nice creamy aspect as well. I wouldn't mind having a few of these...I wish it wasn't so rare. I hope DFH makes more of this! Thanks to Cornboy for the opportunity to sample one of my new favorite Dogfish brews!

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2005 19:38:20 | More by orbitalr0x

deejaydan

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This might be out of order, but wow, great aroma. Maybe not to style, but a wonderful vanilla oak aroma. Similar to a great Chardonnay. Appearance is straight up amber, slight head, okay lacing. Flavor is good, but, dare I say this about a DFH beer, underhopped for style. Hops are there, but there is a serious sweet malt backbone to this beer. Overall, I like this beer. It's not best of style to me, but it's still good. Many thanks to my Secret Bunny, Squidswillbesquids.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2005 02:14:40 | More by deejaydan

ybnorml

Rhode Island

4.33/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A clean amber beer with a big foamy light beige head and nice lace. The aroma starts with a sweet nut like maltiness with a hint of some citrusy hops in the background. Every mouthfull changes your perseption of the main character of the beer. One time it is that sweet nut like malt. next its a spicey hop snap. And always just in the background almost hidden is the welcome home warmth of the the alcohol. Maybe not as complex in the range of tastes as a Belgian but at least as well crafted to create this smooth unique American brew.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2005 22:32:00 | More by ybnorml

AlexJ

North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Props to warriorsoul for shipping me this 12 oz bottle!

The long awaited pour reveals a precious liquid, the color of scorched honey. The bone-colored head is persistant for a beer of this strength. Lacing is subtle and artistically applied.

The nose rises to greet me as the precious is poured into the Delirium tulip. I find myself floating in fields of wildflowers and clover honey. Oaky vanilla warmth envelops me. I indulge in the bouquet for a full five minutes before stepping in.

Sublime joy overcomes me as I revel in the first sip. Honey-drenched oranges and soft floral sweetness fades into toasty oak spice. Madagascar vanilla beans infused into butter almond ice-cream. Hops make their statement towards the end with wildflowers and sweet citrus. Balance is the word of the day here with absolut layers of malty complexity. It doesn't need to be hopfiend to be IIPA.

The body is huge, creamy, and bursting at the seams. Soft carbonation carries you through to the lasting finish filled with caramel drizzled citrus shadowed by oaky dryness. This is one of, if not the best DFH I've had to date. Superb and sublime!

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2005 18:13:04 | More by AlexJ