Beer of the Weekend #819: Rock Dodger Double IPA
I was in the Des Moines area this week for a short but much-needed change of scenery. Before heading back to IC, I stopped at the Confluence Brewing Company and filled my growler with the beer of the weekend: Rock Dodger Double IPA.
The color is cloudy, golden amber. A finger of buttery, bubbly, dense, lightly tanned head leaves spots of bubbles, a bubbly ring, and trails of lacing on the glass. The first whiff is pleasing and tropical with kiwi, pineapple, maybe some mango. It smells very fresh and juicy. Caramel is also present. It has a little edge, though it is not overpowering; perhaps it is anxiety and experience creeping in. The alcohol edge is more noticeable in the flavor, however. The flavor is as tropical, fresh, and juicy as the aroma. Kiwi, pineapple, orange, and a touch of mango (which sounds like a great band name). At times it reminds me of an Orange Julius — a boozy Orange Julius. Caramel and cherry licorice are also noticeable.
Fun facts about Rock Dodger Double IPA:
• Style: Double IPA.
• Price: $24 for a 64-ounce growler fill at Confluence.
• Alcohol content: 8.7 percent ABV.
• IBU: 88.
• According to the Confluence website, “Rock Dodger is our salute to the many beer-loving bicyclists across Iowa, especially those who regularly traverse the 75-yard gravel path from Gray’s Lake bike trail to Confluence Brewery for a pint.”
• Speaking about beer-loving bicyclists… Though I tend to avoid double IPAs, I got Rock Dodger to commemorate my purchase of this beauty:
A special thanks to the folks at Rasmussen Bike Shop in Des Moines! Perhaps someday I will ride her to Confluence.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B+.
The color is cloudy, golden amber. A finger of buttery, bubbly, dense, lightly tanned head leaves spots of bubbles, a bubbly ring, and trails of lacing on the glass. The first whiff is pleasing and tropical with kiwi, pineapple, maybe some mango. It smells very fresh and juicy. Caramel is also present. It has a little edge, though it is not overpowering; perhaps it is anxiety and experience creeping in. The alcohol edge is more noticeable in the flavor, however. The flavor is as tropical, fresh, and juicy as the aroma. Kiwi, pineapple, orange, and a touch of mango (which sounds like a great band name). At times it reminds me of an Orange Julius — a boozy Orange Julius. Caramel and cherry licorice are also noticeable.
Fun facts about Rock Dodger Double IPA:
• Style: Double IPA.
• Price: $24 for a 64-ounce growler fill at Confluence.
• Alcohol content: 8.7 percent ABV.
• IBU: 88.
• According to the Confluence website, “Rock Dodger is our salute to the many beer-loving bicyclists across Iowa, especially those who regularly traverse the 75-yard gravel path from Gray’s Lake bike trail to Confluence Brewery for a pint.”
• Speaking about beer-loving bicyclists… Though I tend to avoid double IPAs, I got Rock Dodger to commemorate my purchase of this beauty:
A special thanks to the folks at Rasmussen Bike Shop in Des Moines! Perhaps someday I will ride her to Confluence.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B+.
