Indian Brown Ale -- Dogfish Head (Milton, DE)

I've read plenty about and seen plenty of Dogfish Head's brews, as they seem to be the most highly-regarded local brewery here in the Washington, DC area. I've stayed away for the most part, however, since I'm not a huge fan of American pale ales... and I'm not sure that this particular experience will change my approach in the future.

Characteristics: Dark, nearly opaque brown color, medium-to-heavy body with light carbonation and minimal head, opens with an alcohol burn and hoppy bite that morphs into a porter/coffee taste, and ends on the burnt side of malt with a very dry effect.

(Not So) Minor Gripes: First, there's no need for this beer to be 7.2% ABV. Depending on the temperature, the alcohol taste can overpower everything else going on with this beer.  Second, the dry finish is disconcerting and difficult -- it's almost like there's silica gel somewhere in the mix.

Bottom Line: Although this is a novel take on the venerable brown ale, it just doesn't work for me thanks to the overloaded alcohol content and domineering hop profile.  It's too bad, since I want to support local breweries like Dogfish Head, but I figure there are plenty of others who will pick up the slack for me.

Rating: 3.75 / 10