120 Minute IPA by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Beer specs

Preferred vessel: Pint glass
Color: 13 SRM

Beer details: Rating: 81; 120 Minute IPA; Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery · Milton, DE; Variety: Ale · American Ale · American Double / Imperial IPA; Alcohol: ABV 20.00% / ABW 16.00%; IBU: 100; Preferred vessel: Pint glass; Color: Red/Brown (American Amber) (13 SRM); Added by Brian; Last updated by abinoda

From Dogfish Head: Too extreme to be called beer? Brewed to a colossal 45°P, boiled for a full 2 hours while being continually hopped with high alpha American hops, dry-hopped every day in the fermenter for a month, and aged for a month on whole leaf hops, 120 Minute IPA is by far the strongest IPA ever brewed. And at 21% ABV and 120 IBU’s, you can see why we are calling this the Holy Grail for Hopheads.

Sweet, Strong, Thick, Hoppy, Alcohol

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Reviews

Review by Brian

Rating: 86

Brian

drank this beer from a Tulip in Denver, CO

Oct. 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.

Comment:
What an unexpected beer! Pours orange with thick white head. Intoxicating aroma of fall leaves, damp cloth and spicy hops, malt, hints of northwestern hops. I also notice some of the floral effects of the yeast. Some banana is noticeable. Taste is sweet, like mead or geuze. Not what I expected from an IPA. Lots of honey and tart fruit. Further tastes reveal hints of raspberry, some citrus hops, and more honey. Aftertaste is like honey-covered sour cherries. Medium to light mouthfeel with tiny bubbles. Quite a special beer. Though it calls itself an IPA on the bottle, I’m glad it is categorized here as a strong ale. I wouldn’t know where else to put it. Calling it the Holy Grail for hopheads is a bit much, as I don’t get any hopforwardness on this.

Characteristics: big cherries fruit honey hops tart thick
Review by kellik

Rating: 96

kellik

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Gainesville, FL

Oct. 23rd, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.

Comment:
One of my all-time favorite beers, 120 Minutes is insanely thick, strong and hoppy. It’s a really decadent and unique beer. The enormous amount of hops is balanced beautifully with sweet,fruity flavor. Citrus and oak flavors are noticeable. 120s are fairly hard to find and only released in limited quantities a few times a year. When I find them, I stock up, even at $8 or $9 a bottle. With a whopping 21% ABV, this beer is the equivalent of 4 Bud Lights, which makes it a decent value for the price.

Characteristics: hoppy oak orange strong sweet thick
Review by Kyle Bunch

Rating: 85

Kyle Bunch

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 12:38 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by rehumphries

Rating: 75

rehumphries

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Pittsburgh, PA

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 1:37 p.m.

Comment:
I enjoy the 90m and 60m. The 120m is something to drink maybe once a year for me. I’m sure it’s only because the 21% ABV.

Characteristics: big fruit stong
Review by ryan

Rating: 87

ryan

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.

Comment:
One of my favorite beers. I wouldn’t go drinking three in a sitting, given that it’s definitely a powerful beer in flavor. Sweet and hoppy, it’s definitely an acquired taste.

Characteristics: hoppy sweet
Review by jnewland

Rating: 87

jnewland

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Atlanta, GA

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 5:49 p.m.

Comment:
delicious, but couldn’t drink more than one in a sitting.

http://flickr.com/photos/jnewland/2942281917/

Characteristics: hoppy sweet thick
Review by mattly

Rating: 83

mattly

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 10:32 p.m.

Comment:
all i can say is: wow.

well that and, be prepared for something that is over 20% booze.

Characteristics:
Review by Casey

Rating: 92

Casey

drank this beer from a Snifter in Fairfax, VA

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 6:14 a.m.

Comment:
aged one year; 20% abv; I always equate hoppiness with a bitter grapefruit flavor, which this beer definitely had, but because of the extreme amount of alcohol, it was super sweet as well. Basically, it tasted like grapefruit soaked in vodka and drizzled with lots of honey. I probably could have stood a spoon up in the beer it was so rich and syrupy. It was like candy. Candy that gets you shitfaced.

Characteristics: hoppy sweet syrupy thick
Review by Patrick Beeson

Rating: 97

Patrick Beeson

drank this beer from a Tulip in Washington, DC

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.

Comment:
I had this beer on tap at the Brickskeller in Washington, DC.

When they set it down in front of me, the smell was unbelievable. This is a very strong beer, with a high ABV.

Definitely a sippin’ beer. And one of the best I’ve ever had.

Characteristics: big bold powerful sweet
Review by Ryan

Rating: 91

Ryan

drank this beer from a Bottle in Spokane, WA

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 11:22 a.m.

Comment:
This beer blew my face off.

Characteristics: big hoppy sweet
Review by mikegee

Rating: 90

mikegee

drank this beer from a Snifter in Miami, FL

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 1 p.m.

Comment:
Amazing IPA, but a bit over the top. The 90 Minute is an all time favorite of mine. You have to try this once, but be prepared, you’ll be drunk halfway through the bottle.

Aroma: Alcohol, grapefruit

Taste: Sweet, but potent

Color: Red honey, beautiful

Characteristics:
Review by M@

Rating: 92

M@

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 5:45 p.m.

Comment:
I think that it’s one of the best IPAs out there. It’s a little bit too much, but it’s just right at the same time. It’s much more of a from the 90 than the 60 is to the 90.

Characteristics: floral grassy hoppy
Review by nilok

Rating: 65

nilok

drank this beer from a Bottle in Washington, DC

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 6:58 p.m.

Comment:
At 20% ABV and $10/bottle in a store this beer is unique and you’re not likely to drink it very often. I found it overpowering and too intense for me and I was expecting it to be overpowering and intense.

Both times I’ve had it, I have felt like I had a fight with beer and won, though not with out catching a few nasty blows.

The alcohol is almost masked by the pure, bitter, hoppy assault on your taste buds, but not quite giving it a slight hit of hard liquor as well.

It’s worth drinking once if only to laugh with your friends, but I wouldn’t drink it unless I was trying to prove myself with friends.

Characteristics: hoppy strong strong alcohol
Review by Chuck Harmston

Rating: 93

Chuck Harmston

drank this beer from a Tulip in Washington, DC

Jan. 20th, 2009 at 6:37 p.m.

Comment:
Casey has it right: “It was like candy. Candy that gets you shitfaced.”

Characteristics: assertive big bitter floral grassy hoppy strong alcohol
Review by ALUCARD

Rating: 97

ALUCARD

drank this beer from a Other in Boston, MA

Jan. 21st, 2009 at 8:48 a.m.

Comment:
They had some four-year 120 at the Beerfest last year and I swear to you it was the best thing I have ever put into my mouth in my entire life. Some dude near me was like “IS THIS FAIRY CUM???” and yeah, yeah it kind of was; it was literally a fairy tale that got told to my tastebuds.

Characteristics:
Review by Matt Munsey

Rating: 95

Matt Munsey

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Tucson, AZ

Jan. 21st, 2009 at 11:53 a.m.

Comment:
This is one of those beers that just wows you. If you can find it, buy all you can get. It will cellar very well.

Characteristics: alcohol bam! floral full-bodied hoppy
Review by Remi

Rating: 75

Remi

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Spokane, WA

Jan. 22nd, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.

Comment:
This beer blew my face off. That’s not really a good thing. I much prefer the 90 minute IPA.

Characteristics: Faceblowing
Review by mjb

Rating: 80

mjb

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Washington, DC

Jan. 24th, 2009 at 6:25 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics: opaque
Review by Ryan Schroeder

Rating: 85

Ryan Schroeder

drank this beer from a Tulip in Seattle, WA

Jan. 26th, 2009 at 9:52 p.m.

Comment:
I’m not sure what else I need to add, other than that this is a great beer that’s fun to drink. Everyone should try it at least once!

I’ll be on the lookout for some cheap bottles to stock up on.

Characteristics:
Review by Tony Richards

Rating: 90

Tony Richards

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Denver, CO

Jan. 30th, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by [ s . m . m ]

Rating: 20

[ s . m . m ]

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Redmond, WA

Feb. 1st, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.

Comment:
I hate to say it but I don’t enjoy this beer. I believe this is categorically not an IPA but a Barley Wine. The hops were completely overpowered.

I’m adding it to my “To Drink” list, just to give it another chance in case I had a bad bottle. I hope to be able to change this review in the future.

Characteristics: heavy malty
Review by stlandau

Rating: 70

stlandau

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, OR

Feb. 4th, 2009 at 1:54 p.m.

Comment:
I guess if you like unusual beers, you might like this one. I split a 12 oz. bottle with my wife, and the 6 oz. was plenty for me. Personally, I found it a bit sweet, but after a while the scotch-y taste and sweetness started to mellow and I enjoyed it a bit more.

I’ll definitely try some other Dogfish Head beers, but this one wasn’t for me.

Characteristics: scotch
Review by elmazz

Rating: 86

elmazz

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Feb. 7th, 2009 at 10:07 a.m.

Comment:
A great thick strong hopped brew. Good for sippin on when you want that strong hopped flavor.

Characteristics: hoppy strong thick
Review by michaelparenteau

Rating: 70

michaelparenteau

drank this beer from a Tulip

Feb. 13th, 2009 at 11:10 p.m.

Comment:
I love this beer. Dogfish Head Brewery makes great beer… this is a wonderful version of an IPA thathas all the layers of hop flavors from bittering to Aromatic floral notes. Pour it in a glass!!! This beer needs to be smelled on the way to the palate. It is one of the beautiful elements of this beer. I would reccomend and drink again myself… pricy, but worth the try!

Characteristics: bittersweet crisp floral light malt semi-skunky
Review by Hail the Ale! - Chris

Rating: 95

Hail the Ale! - Chris

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Orlando, FL

Feb. 17th, 2009 at 4:04 p.m.

Comment:
If you want a beer that punches you in the throat with hops and then gives you a wedgie with ABV then this is your beer. Very drinkable for a high ABV beer.

Characteristics: bitter fucking+awesome hoppy strong alcohol
Review by Eric M.

Rating: 91

Eric M.

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Orlando, FL

Feb. 18th, 2009 at 2:37 p.m.

Comment:
This beer will kick your ass, and steal your kittens. So thick you can almost chew it, but so, so drinkable. Alternate between the 60, 90, and 120 Minute versions to get the whole range of flavors that Dog Fish Head can conjure. Definitely one of the stand out beers from their Brewery.

Characteristics: delicious drinkable hoppy strong thick
Review by I like beer

Rating: 97

I like beer

drank this beer from a Other in Coral Springs, FL

Feb. 18th, 2009 at 2:56 p.m.

Comment:
Great beer, really strong. It will make you its bitch.

Characteristics: amber hoppy sweet
Review by mgarber

Rating: 85

mgarber

drank this beer from a Other in Northampton, MA

Feb. 19th, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.

Comment:
I couldn’t drink this every day; no sane person would. Every once in a while, though it’s high alchohol taste melded nicely with traditional ipa flavors and brain-destroying capacity are a treat.

Characteristics: alcohol hops sweet
Review by Mr. Benner

Rating: 85

Mr. Benner

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Philadelphia, PA

Feb. 19th, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.

Comment:
I’m pretty sure I loved this IPA. I can’t remember. All I know is it will get you drunk.

Seriously though, good beer.

Characteristics: druuuunnk hoppy IPA
Review by Lance

Rating: 90

Lance

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, OR

Feb. 27th, 2009 at 9:46 a.m.

Comment:
I expected strong and I was not disappointed.

Characteristics: citrus hoppy strong sweet
Review by Keith

Rating: 69

Keith

drank this beer from a Snifter in Austin, TX

March 8th, 2009 at 10:24 a.m.

Comment:
I sort of knew going in that this might not be my thing… but what I got was unexpected. It’s looks great; deep orange with a think white head, but it’s really strong and way too sweet for my tastes. And I like some sweet beers. It’s very click and cloying, like syrup, with heavy notes of honey and candied fruit. Doesn’t at all taste like an IPA. The hops are there, but they’re overwhelmed by sugar and alcohol. I hate to say it, given the high expectations, but this beer just wasn’t all that good. I liked the 90 minute much better.

Characteristics: fruit honey overly sweet overrated strong
Review by Gavin

Rating: 97

Gavin

drank this beer from a Snifter

March 12th, 2009 at 11:15 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Scott C

Rating: 93

Scott C

drank this beer from a Snifter in Manchester, CT

March 14th, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.

Comment:
It’s thick (almost syrup like) and highly alcoholic. Will kick your ass, and you’ll love every minute.

Characteristics: expensive strong thick
Review by Lobsterman

Rating: 55

Lobsterman

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Portland, ME

March 21st, 2009 at 5:02 p.m.

Comment:
I Love a strong brew. I love their 90 and Burton Baton IPA’s. This is OVERKILL! It’s done in by the heavy malty alcohol sick bite. Perhaps a tapped pint would taste more balanced. I’m going to try it again after I build up the courage! “OK-TRIED IT AGAIN [bottle] 5/09, OPINION UNCHANGED”!

Characteristics: gummy Potent tar unbalanced
Review by brian_252

Rating: 54

brian_252

drank this beer from a Tulip in Alexandria, VA

March 21st, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.

Comment:
Crazy hoppy. Sour too, but this may be a bad batch (bottled 2/6/2009). It didn’t seem 20% abv strong.

Characteristics: sour
Review by starwitness

Rating: 80

starwitness

drank this beer from a Other in Milton, DE

April 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Comment:
Before I visited the Dogfish Head brewery, I was decidedly not a fan of IPAs. I thought they were bitter and undrinkable. The I tried the 60, 90, and 120 Minute IPAs straight from the source. I’ve been a complete convert since then! The 120 Minute is fruity, fresh, rich, complex, and anything but bitter!

Characteristics: fresh fruity rich
Review by Matt

Rating: 92

Matt

drank this beer from a Goblet in Glenside, PA

April 6th, 2009 at 7:28 a.m.

Comment:
Where on earth did this beer come from? It definitely transcends being called a mere beer. Its bold, fruity, thick and the flavor seems to be everlasting. You don’t even notice the 21% ABV because of how how much body this beer has.

Characteristics:
Review by DVVG

Rating: 97

DVVG

drank this beer from a Snifter in Portland, OR

April 15th, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.

Comment:
This beer was made for me. I love it.

Characteristics: BEST EVER Lovely
Review by Kyle Fiedler

Rating: 92

Kyle Fiedler

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Woburn, MA

April 22nd, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.

Comment:
I don’t usually like IPA’s but this one has a special place in my heart.

Characteristics:
Review by Joel Mahaffey

Rating: 54

Joel Mahaffey

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Orono, ME

April 27th, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.

Comment:
Wow. Very, very boozy. A strong floral aroma and sweet hop flavor, but not enough bittering to balance out the massive ABV. I’ll stick to the 60 and 90.

Characteristics: alcohol hoppy
Review by GoldenChild

Rating: 97

GoldenChild

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Gaylord, MI

May 30th, 2009 at 6:02 p.m.

Comment:
My favorite beer! hoppy lots of flavor not for the weak at heart great taste! slam down 2 of these in five minutes…… lol one of the greatest beer buzzes i think i have ever had.

Characteristics: awesome drinkable hoppy
Review by Matt Johnson

Rating: 70

Matt Johnson

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Renton, WA

June 26th, 2009 at 6:43 p.m.

Comment:
Strong caramel aroma. Overpoweringly sweet with a mild citrus body and a slight bitter aftertaste. The 20% alcohol content is plainly apparent with the cough syrup warmth it leaves in your stomach. It’s very bold but the zing and kick I usually associate with hops is not present at all. I respect 120 minute for being balls out, over the top and I’ll give it a higher rating because of that fact. It is not a beer I will look forward to having on a regular basis though. It’s a fun experimental beer that everyone should try just to try it.

Characteristics:
Review by Ed Cormany

Rating: 68

Ed Cormany

drank this beer from a Goblet in Ithaca, NY

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.

Comment:
finally got a pour of this on tap and, well, now i can say that i’ve had it.

it’s scarcely beer, and it’s absolutely not identifiable as an IPA. despite the off-the-charts IBUs, bitter was not the first flavor that came to mind. sugar is the most prominent flavor, followed by what i thought tasted like soy sauce. it finishes by punching you in the back of the throat.

so go and try one. it’s an experience. then order an IPA.

Characteristics: alcohol strong sweet
Review by Lance

Rating: 90

Lance

drank this beer from a Snifter

Aug. 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.

Comment:
Finally sprung for a year-old bottle of the 120 minute for my birthday dinner. Absolutely delicious, but I think DFH is right… it is too extreme to be called a beer. It’s its own class of beverage.

Characteristics: alcohol sweet thick
Review by Lynn Twiss

Rating: 73

Lynn Twiss

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Oct. 12th, 2009 at 6:48 p.m.

Comment:
Calling this beer an IPA is a misnomer. It’s a very smooth, thick caramel tasting beer.

Characteristics: caramel sweet thick
Review by NickPepera

Rating: 1

NickPepera

drank this beer from a Snifter in Chicago, IL

Nov. 11th, 2009 at 5:54 a.m.

Comment:
This beer tastes like shit to me!

Characteristics: dirt shit strong
Review by Cory Collier

Rating: 97

Cory Collier

drank this beer from a Bottle in Altamonte Springs, FL

Nov. 16th, 2009 at 5:43 a.m.

Comment:
Very good beer. Had 4 last night, but really should have stuck to just 2. Definitely full flavored. The first sip hits pretty hard.

Characteristics: hoppy strong thick