Day 13, 1.13.11, Dogfish Head - Burton Baton

I have been a big fan of Dogfish Head ever since that first sip of 90 Minute IPA a few years back.  Since then, I've found everything they make... interesting.  Usually good but always pushing the limits of beer as we know it, and making the styles of beer that no other brewery is even thinking about.
Today I've got a bottle of Burton Baton.  It's an oak-aged imperial IPA.  Sam Calagione told me (via video on the Dogfish Head website) That its actually a blend of an old English ale and an IPA that mellows in oak for about a month.  It's 10%ABV and 70 IBU.

It's lovely deep amber and hazy unfiltered.  On the nose the hops are surprisingly subtle; more prevalent is the earthy, oaky aromas.  But the hops are certainly there on the palate.  It's delightfully bitter, though there is not a lot of hop flavor.  There is a bit of dried fruit and a substantial alcohol burn.  The oak has definitely taken off the edge though and rounded the flavors nicely.  The body isn't huge though, so not a ton of malt to balance the hefty bitterness.  That compromises the beer a bit for me but it certainly doesn't ruin it.  Also, I've had some oak aged beer that is way too tannic and earthy bitter.  That isn't the case here and I think that the oak has really added to the beer.  It's really nice to drink.  8 out of 10.

Also, when you try to finish it quickly and get your blog post written and get to bed... it really gets you a bit tipsy.