Pour Me: Dogfish Heads Burton Baton

Dogfish Head makes some incredibly interesting beers. By far, Burton Baton is the most interesting that I have every had. It is an IPA that is aged in oak barrels. When I set this on the checkout counter, the dude behind the counter looked at it, and said "that sounds really mouth-drying." Indeed, the opposite of mouth-watering is almost apt.

The reason why I picked this up is because I wanted to try something new. I was cruising the beer isle and spotted Burton Baton. I read the box, pulled a bottle out, glanced at the price (and nearly fell over), and decided I had a try it. Curiosity pretty much drove me to pick it up, but it has been quite a while since I have tried an IPA, so, what the hell.

Burton Baton comes in a four pack. Most of the really good Dogfish beers come in four packs. Four packs will probably be the new six pack for craft breweries. I am going to go ahead and call that now. Anyway, this IPA is aged in barrels, though the bottle does not state what kind, if they are charred, or new or whatever. Just "oak-aged." Well, whatever, that is fine with me, I guess.

This IPA pours incredibly coppery. I love the look of it. There is a very nice, creamy head that stays around for the entirety of the beer. The nose is subtle straight out of the gate, but as the beer diminishes, there are some citrus notes, in addition to the alcohol. Speaking of, this is a big-boy: 10%ABV. You would not think it, though, because it is not that potent. I assume that like with good bourbons, the wood helps mellow out the fire from the alcohol.

It is the ABV that gives me pause because this IPA is incredibly drinkable. Dangerously so. There is bold, fruity flavors, reminiscent of melons present, in addition to a citrus twang. Burton Baton is smooth drinking, bright and crisp. This IPA is probably the most enjoyable beer I have had in quite some time.

Now, let us get down to brass tacks: a four pack of Dogfish Heads Burton Baton is $14USD and change at my local liquor megastore. That is quite a bit of money for four beers. Is it worth it? Juuuusssst about. I would say that you should split the cost between 2 people, but it would be better to buy it for yourself, keep it in the fridge and show you friend, but do not let them have any. That is the way I roll.