Dock Street Brewing Co. Rye IPA (Presidential Brief)

What: Dock Street Brewing Co. Rye IPA 6.8% abv
Where: McKenzie Brew House (Malvern, PA)
When: November 7, 2009
What-have-you: "This was a "guest" beer at the McKenzie Brew House and Brewpub in Malvern, PA. Bitter and sharp. Hoppy and earthy. The rye combines with the hops to make the flavor hop!"

Dock Street The Great Pumpkin (Presidential Brief)

What: Dock Street The Great Pumpkin 5.75%abv
Where: The Institute Bar (Philadelphia, PA)
When: September 26, 2009, 6:00PM
What-have-you: "Ale first, Pumpkin second. Very even and very drinkable. Nothing crazy or scary going on here."

Read all of our Pumpkin Beer Reviews!

Double Your Pleasure - Dock Street Illuminator

Dock Street Illuminator Double Bock

I am definitely a double bock kind of guy. There's just so much going on in there it's hard to know where to begin. The first sip from the bottle doesn't allow the malty aroma to do its thing, so pour it into a glass. There, that's better. The first sip from the glass is crisp and malty. Hops are there but hiding in the shadows. The head is thin but hangs a little bit of paper on the sides of the glass. Quite tasty.

Fast forward.

Since I was sipping and cooking at the same, the Illuminator warmed up a bit over the course of about half an hour. This beer is alive! Warming up this brew releases the alcohol and barleywine-type smoothness that waits for the right moment to make itself known. The head has long since retired and no more lacework on the glass, but my insides are as warm as needs be on a January Sunday.

Distinctly American in style, Dock Street Illuminator Double Bock packs a bit of a kick. I honestly don't know the abv % but it's not for kids. Medium body and lots of flavor. Sip this one. It will pay off in the end. If you're a beginner, take the first sip to catch the head and the cold temperature. But either way, join the illuminati.

Dock Street Illuminator Double Bock

Representation: .8
Accessability: .8
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .9

Total Score: 3.35 Flags

Contact me at president@fermentnation.com