Beer of the Month - August

The beer of the month for August is Dogfish Head Craft Brewery's 60 Minute IPA {6% abv}. A few months ago I was picking up some beverages at a local establishment when I decided to try something new. Fortunately when it comes to beer, you'll just about never run out of beer you haven't tried before. More often is the case that you run out of new beers that you want to drink, but that's more of a personal issue. Back to the story though, I looked past my Dogfish unicorn beer Midas Touch and grabbed a handful of some of that hoppy stuff.

I've already told of the legend that is Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, so no bio is necessary this time around, but I will say I finally found copies of the Brewmaster's 5-episode (US) television series online and I can't wait to check it out. Email me if you'd like a link. Unlike some other brews Dogfish Head sells, 60 Minute IPA is a regular on the shelves and is seemingly easy to come by. However, this by no means is an excuse to pass it up when you see it, like you would Corona or Bud Light. During the brewing process of 60 Minute IPA, there is a 60 minute boil where hops are continuously added. This results in a seriously hoppy brew and the name that appears on the label.

The first sip of 60 Minute IPA is warm and...wait for it...hoptastic. If you love hops and IPAs you've come to the right place. If not, steer clear. This beer is medium bodied (full bodied would be a stout) and has a controlled bitterness with a refined finish. As with most beers, after you're a couple bottles in, the flavors dull along with the rest of your senses. Prior to that happening, 60 Minute IPA is a bully on the pallet. For that reason alone I'd say pairings would be limited to food with strong flavor profiles; Indian/spicy food, red meat, etc. Ideally you'd eat first then drink this afterward in a social setting. 2 stars.