*Pairs well with a $5 game that you end up loving; something much more enjoyable than you anticipated.

Welcome to another craft beer review for Games And A Glass! This week I am reviewing a beer from Dogfish Head Brewing, located in Milton, Delaware. The beer for this week will be their The Perfect Disguise IPA, a double IPA cleverly disguised as a German Kölsch. But of course, before going into the review, let’s talk about Dogfish Head.

The history of Dogfish Head can be found on their site, and it tells the story of the brewery’s goal to bring original food and beer to the state of Delaware.

“The story of Dogfish Head began in June of 1995 when we opened Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats – the first state’s first brewpub – in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The plan was to bring original beer, original food and original music to the area … and we did just that!

Not only was Dogfish Head Delaware’s first brewpub, it was the smallest commercial brewery in America. With our very first batches brewed on a system that was essentially three little kegs with propane burners underneath, we were brewing 12–gallon batches of beer for a whole restaurant. It proved to be more than a full time job and when the doors to the brewpub first opened, we brewed three times a day, five days a week! The benefit? Brewing on such a small system gave us the ability to try out a myriad of different recipes. Insert ‘off-centered ales for off-centered people.’ Our hunger for weird ingredients and venturing off the beaten path was just getting started.

Fast-forward to today and we’re still motivated by non-conformity. By spontaneity. By experimentation.

At every turn, our restless desire to create what hasn’t yet been imagined keeps us bringing new stories, new tastes, and new experiences to you.

Because we don’t jump on the bandwagon, we are the funky drummer.

Every day is an exploration. A thoughtful search through a crowded world, we search for that thing that makes us pause – that idea that excites us, the inspiration we can’t ignore. The journey can be unpredictable … but that’s what makes it kind of magical.

If you haven’t had the chance to taste Dogfish Head, find a beer, track down one of our spirits or visit one of our restaurants! You’ll quickly see why international beer writer Michael Jackson called Dogfish Head “America’s most interesting and adventurous small brewery.”

Dogfish Head’s popular, year round beers include 60 Minute IPA, Namaste White, 90 Minute IPA, and quite a few more. Their specialty releases includes 120 Minute IPA, the Punkin Ale, and Raison D’Extra.

Their notes for The Perfect Disguise reads, “Hiding deeper behind that German disguise is the double dry-hopping of an American Double IPA, with nearly 4 lbs. of German and American hops per barrel. It brings tropical flavors of citrus, tangerine, mango, gooseberries and peach.”

And now onto my thoughts!

Nose: There is a solid blend of hops with a citrusy finish to this beer. I appreciate that the hops don’t overwhelm you and try to take center stage of the beer. It’s balanced, and I think the idea of this beer is done well. Its aromas, while on the lighter side, cleverly work with the idea of being a “kölsch.” I’m excited because I’m expecting this beer to be lighter and fairly easy to drink, but with a surprising amount of character.

Palate: This beer is quite tasty. It’s crisp and feels light, and it has a good amount of hops to it, but it’s not overbearing. While I can’t specify the citrusy flavor, whether it’s mango or something else, it provides a nice finish. At 8 percent ABV, this beer is very easy to drink and I’m impressed with what it’s able to do. You can taste the finished product of an interesting concept that goes together really well.

Overall: I really enjoy this beer! It smartly manages to have a distinct idea and taste that it’s going for with a double IPA, while managing to feel light and friendly. I’m quite impressed and I would definitely recommend this to any IPA or Dogfish Head fan. I ended up buying a six pack and I’m very happy with my decision. This beer portrays the idea that appearances are deceiving, and I’m happy I pursued my curiosity with this one.

I’d like to thank you for reading my craft beer review. If there’s ever a craft beer you’d recommend I try and/or review, please let me know and I will try, to the best of my ability, to acquire it! And remember, like a fine alcoholic beverage or a memorable video game, please enjoy in moderation.