The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:11/17/09 Section: Beer Reviews

I'm bored, and it's raining. There are already a limited number of things to do in Williamsburg, but when it starts to rain (more like a monsoon), those options diminish considerably. I guess you could go to the movies or drive to the outlets, but how much satisfaction can really be derived from either of those? Both require venturing outside, being cold and wet, and spending money. I have discovered a way to eliminate two out of those three scenarios, and the solution lies in staying home and drinking beer. Although you will have to spend some money, you don't have to go anywhere or run the risk of contracting pneumonia. The most crucial aspect of this plan is always having beer in the fridge. I will go ahead and give you my beer recommendation for the week now so you can stock up for the next rainy day, which could, in all likelihood, will be tomorrow.

This week, my beer of choice is Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. A Swiss friend of mine made the recommendation and prefaced it by saying that this is his favorite American beer. This gave me reason enough to try it. I have to say that this is the most complex beer that I have tried so far. The combination of a hefty 9% ABV and very distinct flavors makes for a challenge to drink more than a few bottles, a problem with which college students rarely struggle. Personally, I couldn't see myself ordering several rounds of this beer at a bar because, though it's very smooth and drinkable, I think it would be too much of a good thing. In this case, quality definitely champions quantity. I would compare one bottle of Dogfish 90 Minute to a slice of rich chocolate cake, in the sense that having only one serving of each is satisfying enough.

Dogfish 90 Minute's taste is nothing like what I expected. Initially, it's very sweet and slightly syrupy, with an apparent bitterness at the end. It's also highly carbonated. It lightens up a bit over the course of the bottle, which provides for a rather pleasant experience. On a spectrum of heavy to light beers, I would place this somewhere in the middle of the two since it's by no mean light but also not too dense. The taste of alcohol is noticeable, but not overwhelming, since the flavors of the beer stand out and are so unique. Don't be fooled, though, since there is in fact a great deal of alcohol in Dogfish 90 Minute.

Like most things in life, there are positives and negatives to Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. The bad news is that a pack of four beers is a whopping $10. The good news is that you'll get more bang for your buck in terms of actual alcohol content. Rather than risk paying money for a less than stellar movie the next time it's raining, just put in an old favorite and try a new beer. You'll stay warm and dry, and, more importantly, you'll make an event out of an otherwise dreary day.

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