Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale

It wasn't that long ago that Dogfish Head beers were available here in Minnesota. Wait, no, it was. Here are my notes from a bottle consumed in February 2003, with a picture of a pint taken down lustily at Stone Tap in Hudson, Wisconsin.


A fine tan head stands atop a dark brown to near-black body. Sweet aroma with caramel notes. Strong sensation hits the tastebuds, an all-out hop assault. Warming with a definite alcohol kick, at 7.2%, probably the strongest brown ale I've ever encountered. A totally unique animal; many browns are too lacking in hops,but this one ups the ante, making a tasty and powerful brew. Alcohol lessens some toward the end, for goodness' sake. Definitely, my favorite brown ale.
Part of a growing trend in nomenclature. If it's stronger than normal, call it Imperial Blank, if it's hoppier, call it India Blank.

That was the trend back in 2003. Now, if you throw hops in something, you just call it an IPA. On menu at Stone Tap, this was referred to as a "black" IPA, even though it's brown. Sigh.