Prior to Thanksgiving dinner I was asked (by Jim) when I would be running out of Dogfish beers to review. The answer is that I will be trickling “Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Month” into December since I have a few more to evaluate for next week. Not that there are no more for me to review (there are many), but that is how many I have left in the house.
Maybe it was that question that put the thought in my head, but when The Wife suggested wine after we returned home I suggested the Black & Blue as an option. It turned out to be an appropriate substitution and a good end to the day.
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware)
Name: Black & Blue (refers to use of black raspberry and blueberry purees)
Style: Fruit Beer (based on Belgian Golden Ale)
ABV: 10.0%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge (51 degrees +/-) and served in an oversized wine glass. $11.69 for 1pt. 9.6oz.
Aroma: Full malty sweetness and a prominent fruit nose (raspberry with an apple-like tartness/acidity).
Appearance: Medium brown color with slight red tone (coppery orange when held to light). Slight cream color head that dissipates fairly quickly leaving some trail (legs). Clear with very slight haze (possibly chill).
Flavor: Even berry/fruit flavor (blueberry) on a light malty, sweet background. Some sourness/acidity towards finish.
Mouthfeel: Light body with high, champagne-like carbonation. Smooth, but quite crisp at finish. Some warmth on back of tongue/throat.
Overall Impressions: Drinks like a crisp, dry(ish) champagne. Aroma suggested a bit more punch than what flavor was. Really came close to what I expected from the label description. The Wife didn’t love the first sip, but enjoyed it thereafter (disconnect with aroma).
Grade: B
The point of entry
Dogfish Head - Black & Blue
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