Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is often hailed as one of the classics of the craft beer world, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. This Imperial IPA brings bold flavors, an impressive ABV, and a solid hop presence without tipping into the extreme bitterness you might expect from a 9% IPA.
First Impressions
Right out of the gate, the pour is beautiful. It settles into the glass with a deep amber color, topped with a fluffy off-white head that sticks around just long enough to be appreciated. There’s a noticeable amount of carbonation that gives it a slightly sparkling look, which is inviting and promises a lively drinking experience.
Aroma
The nose is a big hop bomb, but with a twist. Sure, you get that piney, resinous character you expect from an Imperial IPA, but it’s balanced by rich malt sweetness and a touch of fruitiness—think dried apricots or candied orange peel. There’s also a nice undertone of caramel, which hints at what’s to come in terms of taste. The aroma is one of the strongest aspects of this beer; it gets your mouth watering even before your first sip.
Tasting Notes
The first sip is where Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA really shines. You get a strong, almost sticky malt backbone right off the bat, which mellows out the intense hop bitterness. The malt here isn’t shy—there’s a rich, caramel-like sweetness that works in harmony with the bold hops, offering a well-rounded drinking experience.
You’ll pick up on flavors of pine, grapefruit, and a touch of earthy spice, but what really makes it stand out is how the malt softens the blow of the hops. It has this full, slightly syrupy mouthfeel that coats the palate, but not in an overwhelming way. You’ll also notice some tropical fruit notes in the mix, like mango or pineapple, which is a pleasant surprise and adds complexity.
Mouthfeel & Finish
The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, thanks to that malt base. It’s full-bodied, but the carbonation keeps it from feeling too heavy. The finish is long, with a lingering bitterness that doesn’t completely overpower the malt sweetness. That balance is really the star here—it’s hoppy, but not a palate wrecker.
The Downsides
While there’s a lot to love about 90 Minute IPA, it’s not without its flaws. If you’re not a fan of sweeter beers, the malt backbone might be a bit much for you. Some people find that it leans a little too heavy on the malt, which can make the beer feel almost syrupy after a few sips. Additionally, at 9% ABV, it’s not the most crushable beer. You’re likely to feel its strength after just one or two, so it’s more of a sipping beer than a session IPA. Also, if you’re looking for a super crisp, dry finish, you might be left wanting more.
Rating
- Appearance: 4.5/5
- Aroma: 4.8/5
- Taste: 4.7/5
- Mouthfeel: 4.6/5
- Overall: 4.6/5
Final Thoughts
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is a killer choice for hopheads who want big flavor but don’t want to get smacked in the face by bitterness. It’s a well-balanced, flavorful beer with enough complexity to keep things interesting. Sure, the maltiness might be a little heavy for some, and it’s not the kind of beer you can drink all day, but when you’re in the mood for something bold, rich, and satisfying, 90 Minute IPA is hard to beat.
If you’ve tried a 90 Minute IPA, please give us your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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