Beer Review: Dreagnaught IPA

Reviewing the infamous Dreadnaught IPA from Three Floyds Brewing Company out of Munster, Indiana. This imperial IPA is highly sought after by beer geeks and is universally hailed as one of America's top beer by most beer connoisseurs. I am lucky enough, living in both Wisconsin and Illinois, to be within Three Floyds' distribution network, so Dreadnaught is an off the shelf gem that I have regular and convenient access too.
Score: 95

10 oz tap pour from a two week old keg at Brickhouse BBQ, served in a globe-like glass and enjoyed 01/24/12.

Appearance: Pours a clear orange color served with a thin layer of slightly off-white head that settles into a thin ring around the glass. Amazing lacing -- large sheets of frothy white head stick like crazy to all sides of the glass. 5/5

Smell. Sweet pine sap and sharp grapefruit and tropical hops mixed with light notes of sweet malt in the back. Astringent hoppiness. 4/5

Taste: Absolute hopbomb! Flavor is a sharp blast of tropical citrus hoppiness -- lots of astringent/zesty orange, pine, grapefruit, pineapple and mango -- followed by a lingering piney bitterness (that is much more mild compared to the upfront explosion of bitter flavor) for the finish. A light, sweet caramel backbone balances out the hoppiness a touch. The flavor experience of this beer reminds me of the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It shoots you out of the gate with citrus hoppiness, rocketing from 0-120 miles per hour in mere seconds, shoots you up some 400 feet, and then sends you plummeting back down to earth with some lingering adrenaline (here, the mild piney bitterness). The flavors, like the Top Thrill Dragster, are not very complex, but the whole experience is nonetheless incredibly delicious. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Near perfect imperial IPA mouthfeel. Medium bodied, medium-plus carbonation. Very oily, slight mouthwatering mouthfeel. Finish is bitter. 4.5/5

Overall: Enjoy this one fresh, and boy will you enjoy it.

Recommendation: Hops haters and casual beer drinkers should avoid this aggressive imperial IPA, but boy should hop heads seek this one out.

Pairings: The beef chili, with a little added hot sauce, at the Brickhouse BBQ.

Cost: $11.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle or $6.50 for a 10 oz pour.