Miller Chill was somehow not considered for this edition of Rank The Drank.
Last year, when it came time to rank our favorite pumpkin beers, both Mr. X and I agreed that Dogfish Head was the undisputed champion. It's not any great surprise, as Dogfish Head is known for their excellent IPAs, and come out with a few other seasonal surprises (I had an Aprihop this spring, which is brewed with Apricots. Just terrific.) However, when it comes down to choosing which of Dogfish's brews is the best of the bunch, Mr. X and I couldn't be further apart.
He claims that the 90 Minute IPA is possibly the best beer ever. I find it somewhat overwhelming, and would much rather kick back with the more traditional 60 Minute IPA.
The 60 Minute comes in at 6.0% ABV. Dogfish Head's own website describes the taste as "Really hoppy, citrusy, grassy" and claims it pairs well with spicy foods, grilled salmon, and cheddar cheese. These are all things I'd actually eat.
The 90 Minute, will have you slurring your speech after a bottle or two at a robust 9.0% ABV. As the website is quick to point out, it has been referred to by Esquire as "perhaps the best IPA in America." Its taste is described as being similar to "brandied fruitcake, raisiny", and pairs well with split pea soup and escargot.
Here's where I draw the line. One or two of the 90 Minute varieties might be fine to accompany some high class dining. But the Esquire rave review, the raisiny fruitcake taste, and the suggested snail pairing all lead me to believe this is not a beer I am meant to be cracking after getting home on a Friday and firing up the grill. I'll take a 60 Minute over it's big brother every day, and that's before even considering the price tag.
Got a preference? Love apricots in your beer? Enjoy the way escargot comes sliding right out when you purge the next morning? Let's hear it in the comments.
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