THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION

Beer Review: Dogfish Head's American Beauty

It's as classic as the album of the same name
by Marcos Espinoza on Nov 11, 2013 in Beer
 
Music as inspiration is nothing new for Sam Calagione. Miles Davis, Pearl Jam, Del the Funkee Homosapien and Dan the Automator’s Deltron 3030, and now one of the most celebrated bands that millennials know nothing about. Of course, the craft beer demographic skews toward the age when you start to get a break on your car insurance, so it makes sense that Dogfish Head’s Music Series of beers also skews old. But maybe “old” isn’t the right word. “Classic” feels better, and Dogfish Head’s “American Beauty” — an American Pale Ale inspired by the Grateful Dead — is as classic as the album of the same name.
 
According to the label, Dogfish Head had over a thousand ingredient suggestions (they didn’t specify whether patchouli and weed were on the list), and the one mentioned most frequently was granola. Not too off-centered for the Dogfish Heads, but totally appropriate for a beer that caters to aging hippies, a very large part of the craft beer contingent. Make beer, not war, right?
 
Anyway, let’s get back to the American Beauty. Sold in bombers and weighing in at 9 percent ABV, it’s definitely a beer meant for sharing. Poured into an imperial pint glass, its deep copper hue might lead you to believe you’re going to get a healthy dose of malt, but the nose is bright with citrus and the level of carbonation makes this beer very easy to drink considering the high alcohol content. The other pleasant surprise was the beer’s viscosity. Typical high-octane DFH brews can border on syrup, but the only thing that clung to the glass with this beer was the head. Going down, the citrus continued to dominate in the form of lemon zest and an almost orange tic-tac flavor (that’s a good thing). And while you should probably sip this big boy, it’s really hard not to gulp.
 
On shelves for a little over a month now, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it in the 27 states where Dogfish ships its beer. Its price point could be the reason it’s sticking around, but at $14.99 for a limited release, we didn’t feel like we were paying a scalper to get into the festival. If you’re into fizz and fruit with a side of nostalgia, you should definitely pick up a bottle to share the next time you find yourself truckin’ down Shakedown Street.

Tags: Beer
Recent Articles

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close