Since Fred at Laughing Dog Brewing was nice enough to participate in my Beer Survey, I figured it was time I finally got around to typing up my review of LDB’s Dogzilla Black IPA.
So, what is a Black IPA? It’s an IPA that is brewed with darker malts. The style that has been around for a while, but just recently started getting some exposure. Some people have complained that the name “Black India Pale Ale” is an oxymoron. They suggest Cascadian Dark Ale is a more fitting name. I can’t tell you whether or not the style really started in the Pacific North West, but I can tell there are several examples of it being brewed here and the ones I’ve had the pleasure of trying are delicious. Laughing Dog’s Dogzilla is no exception.
The brew is available in 22oz. bombers. The label has an image of Dogzilla and some lyrics from Blue Oyster Cult’s song Godzilla. I poured the BIPA into my mason jar.
The ale was dark, almost black. When held up to the light, I could pick out some crimson highlights. The head was huge (that’s what she said) and frothy. It was crowning the glass on my initial pour. It settled where you see it in the picture above until I took my first drink. After that, it stayed around; clinging to the glass until I finished the beer. It had the sharp citrus smell of a strong IPA, but there was also a roasted smell from the malts.
Now I will admit that this wasn’t my first go around with Dogzilla. I have drank the ale several times in the past. The taste is what keeps me coming back. The ale comes on with a sharp, hoppy taste upfront. This is followed by a sweeter roasted taste from the malts. The hops slowly work their was back through the taste of the malts, giving the ale a finish not unlike a regular IPA. The malts to a great job of mellowing the middle of the taste; almost resetting your mouth before the hoppy finish arrives.
From start to finish, this is a fantastic beer. The look, the smell, the taste; Dogzilla has it all. It also can be paired with a myriad of food. It goes great with foods you would normally pair with an IPA, like Asian food or fish. the malts also give it enough body to hang with foods more typically paired with a porter like steak or pasta. It is great representation of the BIPA or CDA style. I will continue purchasing Dogzilla as long as it remains available. For people in the Portland area, Lucky Labrador has a Black IPA available that is also great.
Thank you Fred and the rest of the Laughing Dog Brew Crew for unleashing Dogzilla (there’s your pun for the day).
Cheers!
Kevin