Brew: Drake's Denogginizer

By: Stevie

This week's liquid treat comes from Drake's Brewing Co. -- located in San Leandro, CA -- which is one of my all-time favorite breweries. An impulse buy at Trader Joe's, it was well worth the $7. I've had Drake's Denogginizer (Imperial/Double IPA) more times than I can remember, both on tap and in a bottle, but it's always refreshing to revisit beers.

9.75% ABV - It's a heavy hitter!

I'll start with the appearance. I didn't have my usual arsenal of beer glasses since I'm Maggie's apartment in Oakland, but a wine glass did the job perfectly. It pours a rich amber hue with a two-finger, khaki white head that clings to the glass, leaving a heavy lacing after it finally settles.  

The nose is what really excites me about this brew. Sweet grapefruit and orange take the forefront, followed by piney hops and bready malts. It's mouthwatering.

I didn't find the taste as appealing as the smell, but it's by no means bad. It has a pleasantly rounded flavor characterized by sweet malts, grains, caramel, and citrus. I'm missing the heavy hops noticeable in the nose, but they're present towards the end, which is followed by a subtle alcohol burn.

A medium mouthfeel and solid carbonation keep you coming back sip after sip.

For the price this is one of my favorite beers, and since it's readily available at TJ's, I always keep it in rotation. It's on the milder side for a double IPA, but those who don't want to get kicked in the teeth by hops (as Maggie's puts it) will find it approachable -- and delicious!