(ID) Laughing Dog Brewing's Dogzilla Black India Pale Ale, Is A Should Try
Ponderay, ID - Another Black India Pale Ale / India Black Ale / Cascadian Dark Ale, has come to our attention, while we were roaming the shelves in search of beer. Hailing from Ponderay, Idaho and with a unique label; Laughing Dog Brewing has been producing interesting ales since 2005 (August 28th). With beers labeled after dogs, the brewery has inspired many an enthusiast to trek out to Idaho, in search of craft beer. With names like Dogfather Imperial Russian Stout and Devil Dog Imperial IPA, owner Fred Colby is constantly innovating. For us out newest review centers on Dogzilla, a Black India Pale Ale, first recognized in 2008.
However, as frequently happens, one will fail to fall to associate a beer into an established classification , ala India Pale Ale. Because of this, we often find ourselves with a predicament, given the name of this beer. So we decided to instead look at this beer as an IPA that dark in color (as opposed to a dark red).
Laughing Dog Dogzilla, is a Black India Pale Ale that pours a dark while obstructing light from passing through. As the beer settles in the glass, a medium off-white foamy head forms on the top, before receding, leaving small islands of lace within the glass.
Putting the glass up to your nose you pick up a noticeable 'earthiness' with elements of green grass, some pine and a finish of biscuit bread-iness.
When sipping the breadiness is noticeable in the front before being pushed aside by earthy almost pine hop bitterness, the beer finishes with a minor chocolate sweetness. At 6.90% Alcohol By Volume, the beer doesn't feel heavy and its clear to see why so many people like this beer, despite its confusing style name.
A Big Bold Hoppy IPA that finishes with a dark twist.
True to its IPA roots Dogzilla has a massive hop presence that is Piney and Citrusy. A malty backbone, along with the dark malt gives it a bit of a roasty finish. Brewed with Simcoe and Cascade Hops, Pale Malt, Munich, and Black Barley.
Our Thoughts
You Should Try, as one of the very first beers to demonstrate what would soon be Cascadian Dark Ale (or India Black Ale), this beer inspires nostalgia, when the Northwest hadn't heard of CDA or IBA. The next time you are at the grocery store, reach for a bomber of Dogzilla and enjoy it with some seafood.
Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/12985/44085
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/laughing-dog-dogzilla-black-ipa/83755/
Cheers
In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has not provided me a free sample was used for research, prior to writing this review. The following sample was purchased at Malt & Vine on 16851 Redmond Way in Redmond, WA 98052.
