There’s something very cool about people asking me to broaden my horizons beyond the Great Lakes… I get to taste beer that is more widely available, and talk about them with you! While I make no secret that my craft-beer-loving heart belongs in Michigan, I do enjoy several craft breweries around the world, that I probably don’t mention enough.
Enter… Dogfish Head. 
I know, I know… it’s not like it’s a huge SHOCK that this hop-head enjoys brews from this Delaware Brewery. Since it’s inception in 1995, Dogfish Head has brewed several beers that have passed through my lips. They rarely disappoint.
Here’s the thing — I hear about a beer called Aprihop that’s pronounced like “Apricot” and my fear (as I asked the friendly bartender pushing it onto me) “Is this one of those ‘AAAAHH! APRICOT EXPLODING IN MY MOUTH’ beers?” I imagined my nose and mouth being attacked by apricots.
That didn’t happen.
And that’s what’s SO hoppin’ cool about this week’s beer-of-the-week: Aprihop. Yes, the name may scream apricot… but the flavor… Mmm-MMM… the flavor. Those clever Dogfish Head brewers created a masterpiece of flavor — the hops are the star, with the apricots playing a supporting role. As it should be, IMHO. Aprihop, get this, actually tastes like beer. A good IPA — without the intense bitterness that turn some beer-lovers off. The notes of apricot are in the finish, sweetly and subtly balancing out the hops. This beer goes down very easily. At 7% ABV, it’s not something I would personally drink all day, but I have consumed two in one sitting, and felt groovy.
Who should drink this craft beer? I honestly believe Aprihop is a beer for just about anyone. Dogfish Head claims Aprihop is the fruit beer for people who hate fruity beer. I would have to agree. I would also suggest sharing Aprihop with someone who may not be a huge fan of IPAs; have them give it a swirl! Could open a whole new world for beer lovers who have shied away from IPAs in the past.
Dogfish Head is widely available in the following markets March-May: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA – — hit up the Fish Finder to see exactly where you can find Aprihop in your neck of the woods.
CHEERS!
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If you have a suggestion for a beer I MUST try in the coming weeks, please email me: MommaNeedsABeer {at} gmail {dot} com with the subject Beer of the Week. Although I adore having access to many delicious Michigan beers, I’d love to expand my palate to beers with broader availability. If I choose to feature your beer, I will send you a MNAB magnet and mention you on here as well as facebook and twitter, if you’re into such things.
