Robert Johnson’s Hellhound on My Ale by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc. $13.98 per 750-milliliter bottle
The last couple of reviews in this space have dealt with music and darkness, and no one has ever combined the two better than country-blues legend Robert Johnson, who would have been 100 this year. Commemorating the occasion is this amazing double India pale ale from one of the best craft brewers in the nation. Paying homage to the anniversary, Hellhound is dry-hopped with 100 percent Centennial hops and is right at 100 international bitterness units. Pouring a hazy golden amber with a white head, it looks innocuous enough. The nose, though, gives a hint of what’s to come with big citrus, a malty-bready note and a whiff of booze. The flavor unfolds over the course of a glass or bottle, with the expected bright grapefruit combined with lemon (a nod to Johnson mentor Blind Lemon Jefferson), surprising malt balance for a DIPA and wisps of grain and mint. Smooth and very easy to drink. Alcohol is warming but not excessive, although at 10 percent by volume, you might want to keep the .32-20 in the next room, preferably locked. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Inc., Milton, Del.;
Marcus Chamberland; mchamberland@denverpost.com
