Dogfish Head Craft Brewery- Indian Brown Ale: Strong and True!
Friday, March 19, 2010 at 9:06PM | by Wes 
Ever since I watched the “Beer Wars” documentary I have been pounding beers from Dogfish Head. Their owner Sam Calagione just seems like such a cool, laid back guy, imagine if Keanu Reeves said, “screw it I’m gonna make beer.” Sam’s nonchalant demeanor is refreshing for some one like me who would love to see most major corporations burnt to the ground. So I said, "damn the man myself" and grabbed an Indian Brown Ale.
Dogfish Head describes their brew as follows, “Forget about the car companies, this is the original hybrid, a cross between a Scotch Ale, an India Pale Ale, and an American Brown. Our Indian Brown Ale is well-hopped and malty at the same time (magical). The beer has characteristics of each style that inspired it; the color of an American Brown, the caramel notes of a Scotch Ale, and the hopping regiment of an India Pale Ale. We dry-hop the Indian Brown Ale in a similar fashion as our 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute IPAs. This beer is brewed with Aromatic barley and organic brown sugar.”
Indian Brown Ale (there is also a video were Sam discusses the beer) pours very darkly. I would say one shade lighter than a Guinness. It is a deep, deep chestnut, with a beige and extremely foamy head that offers great lacing on your glass. This brews aroma has a coffee smell that intermingles with a roasted hoppyness. The muddy inebriant is strong and complex in the flavor department as well. You can taste a wide variety of flavor adjuncts. I picked up coffee, dry roasted hops, the earthiness of a scotch ale, and even a faint caramel/chocolate combo.
This beer is not for everyone. If you like light, crisp beers, this will make your weak ass cry. Personally I enjoyed it. I just wish I would have discovered it a few months ago. India Brown Ale would be the perfect brew to cap off a day of snowboarding or shoveling. Just kidding, I don’t shovel. I can’t see myself drinking too many of these this summer, but in the fall, when I see that first leaf change, I know what beer I’m going to be drinking after a long day of raking. Just kidding, I don’t rake either. But I will drink a shit load of this beer next winter, guaranteed.
ABV: 7.2%
Consumed: Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy a twelve pack
