Buying this beer was confirmation that I have fully committed myself to IPAs. Not so long ago, they were the style I avoided most: the bitter hop taste really made me cringe. But now, as I’m sipping an IPA made by Three Floyds, I know that it’s for real. Three Floyds never brews half-assed.

From the label (I’ve learned to read these): A hophead’s dream beer. This Imperial India Pale Ale has an opening salvo of mango, peach and citrus hop aromas that sit atop a pronounced caramel malt backbone. Although Dreadnaught is a strong and intensely hoppy ale, its complex flavor is both smooth and memorable.

Poured this bad boy out into my favorite snifter. Half a finger of head, faded quick. The color is a hazy reddish brown. It looks like there’s been a hell of a lot of brewing done to achieve this beer: an elixir with mysterious ingredients galore. Or, just a ton of hops. The smell is wonderful: super fruity/citrusy. The label says mango and peach are in the mix as well, but I’ve got a slight sniffle and I couldn’t pick those up as much. Still, the smell was just excellent.

The taste was out of this world. I am telling you, this is the hoppiest beer I have ever had. It kicks you in the tongue, the back of the throat, the tonsils, and even the hippocampus. However, the finish is not strong at all: it’s the best combo in an IPA, a supermassive taste experience, with no ill-tasting after effects. If you’re in the mood to try a serious IPA, this is definitely a good one since it will deliver the hops but they won’t stick around after you’ve swallowed.

I cracked this beer at around 8pm, and it’s 9:17pm as I’m writing now. I still have about 12 fl. oz. to go in the snifter. The Dreadnaught has been my evening companion, and it hasn’t let me down. It’s mellowed out and come up close to room temperature nicely. Definitely a sipper. No guzzling this one. My hat’s off to Three Floyds again for another great brew. I do think I like their Alpha King better than this Dreadnaught, if for no other reason than it isn’t so heavily hopped and filling. But honestly, this Dreadnaught IPA has to be one of the best of its kind. Hands down. I would highly recommend it to any serious hophead.

ABV: 9.5%

Grade: A