$7.49 per 22-ounce bottle
Aurora’s Dry Dock microbrewery, in business for a little more than five years, is testing the Colorado retail market with the release in bottles of its Urca Vanilla Porter, U-Boat Hefeweizen and this marvelous double IPA. A hazy golden amber with a cream-colored head, Seven Seas is made with seven hops, which dominate the aroma. The piney smell of Cascade hops is balanced a bit with some bittering that’s not found in many modern IPAs. It’s citrusy up front, smooth in the mouth and throat, with a nice bitterness flowing through and building at the finish, which is quite dry. This is one of the smoothest IPAs to be had anywhere, with an inviting mouthfeel and easy drinkability despite its 9 percent alcohol by volume. It’s a great debut. Dry Dock Brewing Co., Aurora, drydockbrewing
Marcus Chamberland: mchamberland@denverpost.com
