Indian Brown Ale

 

Dogfish Head, Indian Brown Ale

From the horse's mouth, well the dog's, the Indian Brown Ale is a hybrid of Scotch Ale, India Pale Ale (IPA) and American Brown Ale.  The alcohol content is boosted with brown sugar.  Indian Brown Ale is 7.2% ABV and 50 IBU.  We served it at 50 F.


Appearance: Tall and billowing head.  Very dark color which fades to dark brown on the edges.

Nose: Chocolate malt in aroma and hop smell.  No aroma hops are detectable, the smell is clean bitter flavor.

Body: Hop bite at first.  The warrior hops really come through and provide a neutral bitterness.  The bitterness fades to a strong roast malt flavor and warming alcohol.  The overall mouth-feel is creamy and warming.

Finish: Smooth, chocolaty finish with lingering molasses and hop bitterness.

Overall:  A very flavorful beer.  It is not distinctively any style.  The bitterness is reminiscent of an IPA, the malt profile a brown ale.  Dogfish Head succeeded in creating a hybrid beer, but it isn't clear that this is an improvement.  I think the hybridization, rather than combining the best of its forebears, has lost just the best.  The citrus and green hop aromas typical of an IPA are lost in the powerful malt flavor.  The stout potential of the malt is marred by the IPA like bitterness.

Leffe Brune

Leffe Abbey ( lef - feh ) is run by the Nobertine brothers, who follow the Rule of St. Augustine and so have contact with the secular world.  The beer is brewed under contract with the abbey.  All the Leffe beers are strong in alcohol, the range being 6.5--8.4% ABV.  The Leffe Brune comes at the bottom end of this range, 6.5 %ABV.

I agree with Michael Jackson that the Brune needs to be served warmer than typical to experience the full range of the flavor and body.(1)  I pour mine at 58-60 F into a room-temperature glass.

Appearence: The head is thick and moussy.  The color is dark brown with a red tinge towards the sides.

Nose: The aroma is a very delicate reminiscence of brown sugar and molasses.  No specific hops are detectable but a tinge of bitterness is noticeable.

Body: Very smooth palate with pronounced caramel malt, brown sugar and molasses taste.  Slight hop bitterness at the front.

Beer in the glass

Finish: Very creamy luxurious finish.  Leaves a gentle aftertaste of roast malt.  I disagree with Michael Jackson over the finish.  He states it has a dry finish(2) whereas, I would term it a sweet finish.

Overall: The beer is very easy-drinking.  The high alcohol is completely masked by the malt and brown sugar notes.  Due to its pronounced flavor I think it pairs well with seasoned foods, though not spicy foods.  Beef or pork would be the best meat pairings.  Additionally, anything with mushrooms would complement the sweet brown flavor of the beer.
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(1) Jackson, Michael Great Beers of Belgium. 6th ed. Colorado: Brewers Publications. 2011 p.317
(2) Ibid.