Dogfish Head's Indian Brown Ale -- Beer Review

It’s hard to beat Dogfish Head’s Indian Brown ale when you’re venturing into the darker ranges of craft brews, as this higher-BAC (7.2%), affordable porter / stout mishmash certainly offers one of the more complex, delectable experiences around. Poured into a stemless snifter from a 12 oz bottle, purchased at Green’s on Ponce in Atlanta.

Dogfish Head’s Indian Brown pours a deep, rich brown, barely translucent at certain angles to reveal a thick brown amber shade. The scent leans surprisingly to both floral and fruity notes, hinting at a crisp alcohol-laced naturalness that makes the brew feel very earth to the nostril. It sticks with you, especially the hop-infused bite at the end of each quaff. With an aggressive pour, it’ll render a ½ inch cream-colored head that lingers for only a minute or so. That creaminess causes a bit of lacing as the beer level falls lower and lower in the glass.

With each taste, Dogfish Head’s flagship dark ale will enchant with each sip. It’ll grasp your tastebuds a bit, as the alcohol content is a bit higher than other porters and brown ales of its ilk. But the slightly sweet, floral essence from the quaffs translates over to each sip, all while keeping a nutty flavor at the core of its flavor. What’s especially impressive is the hop-styled bubbly punch that hits the mouth with each taste, something that stays memorable after the bottle has been finished. Each mouthful is moderately thick with a hint of sweetness, masking the alcohol flavor well. There’s complexity present in this brew, a level of layered flavoring that’s both rich and pleasant.

Though labeled as a style of “brown ale”, Dogfish Head’s Indian Brown consistently reminds one more of a porter-like brew infused with a bouquet of impressive, complex hops and earthy notes that impresses with each bottle. It’s a personal favorite, and easily one of Dogfish Head’s best brews – which, conveniently, happens to be one of their least expensive as well.