Dogfish Head Dragons & YumYums Pale Ale

I love that over the last several years, more and more musicians and bands are teaming up with breweries to release collaborations of sorts.  I'm sure the artists are just lending their names or aesthetics, but it's produced some interesting brews.  Off of the top of my head, i've tried beers from Guided By Voices, NOFX, The Sword, and Iron Maiden, and i've been trying to locate some Run The Jewels libations here in Central Texas but to no avail.  Anyway, in conjunction with the band's 7" release for Record Store Day last month, The Flaming Lips have partnered with Delaware mainstay Dogfish Head Brewery to release Dragons & YumYums, and a quirky, fruity, and colorful pale ale.  Pouring a pinkish hue with a bubbly white head, the 6.5% ABV beer smells of fruit, sugar, citrus, malt, and bubblegum with some hints of hops.  The flavor is a mix of tropical fruit, citrus, and some balanced hoppy bitterness, all with a medium body and a dry finish.  All in all, a very enjoyable spring/summer brew.

Visit the brewer...and watch The Flaming Lips' video for "The Story of Yum Yum and Dragon" below.

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

For years and years, Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale set the standard for craft brew pumpkin ales...probably because it was one of the only ones on the market, AND because it's just a great beer anyway.  But with so many different pumpkin beers from countless other breweries coming out every fall, it kind of gets sidelined in favor of new brews.  So i went back to it, and it's still great.  At 7% ABV, it's little heavier than some of its peers, and all the better for it.  Pouring a clear gold with a white head, the beer smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and sugar.  Notes of pumpkin and spices prevail with some brown sugar notes also on the tongue.  Can't beat an old classic.

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Beer Thousand

I didn't even know this beer existed until a friend brought it over on Saturday night, Beer Thousand, a limited edition lager from Dogfish Head Brewing celebrating the 20th anniversary of of the 1994 Guided By Voices album, "Bee Thousand."  And it's a beast.  Though it smells and looks like Miller Lite, the brew is actually a double imperial American pilsner, using a multitude of different hops and spices and comes in at a powerful 10% ABV.  Hints of honey, citrus, fruit, and malt makes for a tasty beverage, and the alcohol is very evident.  Probably one of the best lagers i've ever had, and sadly, i will probably never get to have it again...unless you have some and want to send it to me.  Do you?

Visit the brewer, and go ahead and listen to "Bee Thousand" below.  Hooray!

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA

Do you remember the old MTV video show "120 Minutes?"  I loved it.  It was the perfect thing to end a week with on Sunday night.  It was my ritual through my junior high and high school days way back in the mythical decade of the 90's, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the 120 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales.  Unlike a regular IPA, this one is boiled for two hours (hence the 120 minutes) and then dry hopped as it ferments over the course of a couple of months.  From there, the brew ages, and begins to develop so sweet, almost sherry-like qualities.  Don't misunderstand, the hop flavors and aromas are still there, and still intense, but the bitterness subsides a little, and some sweet and floral tastes and smells work their way through the beer.  It's fantastic.  If you're a hophead, you'll love it.  And, the ABV generally ranges from 18%-25%, so that's always a good time as well.  Finally, a new 120 minute ritual for my Sunday nights.  Cheers.

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