I have had a few beers from Flying Dog, they never disappoint. I remember an afternoon in Amsterdam sitting in BeerTemple, tasting my way through their healthy supply of American beer, while the rep for the brewery was there talking about the trouble they’d had getting the name/label approved for Raging Bitch (a Belgian IPA). This was one of my favourite beers while I was there, so I got another bottle to try.
Look
The Double Pale Ale Deep is golden to amber in colour. It pours with some head, which doesn’t last, but leaves thick lacing.
Smell
The aroma of Double Dog is well balanced between hops and malts. Rich, strong, caramel to start out, followed by fruits (citrus) and pine. Some alcohol also comes through.
Taste
The taste begins with thick, bitter, piney resinous hops. The sweet caramel balances the bitterness nicely, then the alcohol flavour comes through. Finally the bitterness returns in full force, and stays with you.
Feel
Full bodied, smooth, and rich, with a low carbonation, and some alcohol warmth. Hop resins and bitterness are strong and dry.
Drink
If you are a hop lover, it is a great sipper. At 11.5% ABV, you won’t want too many of them – one (or half one – I split this bottle) is enough for a pretty long drink.