Dogfish Head’s Burton Baton (2008) - Tasting and Cellaring Notes
By jason on Sep 14, 2008 in Bocks, IPA's, and More, Reviews
Name: Burton Baton
Brewer: Dogfish Head
Style: Blend of a English Strong Ale and a Double IPA
Vintage: 2008
Cellared On: August 28th, 2008
Original Tasting: August 28th, 2008
Big surprise, Jason’s cellaring another Dogfish Head brew. As you can see from my cellaring/tasting dates, I waited about an hour or so after I bought this beer before I did my first tasting. Can you tell I’ve been wanting to try this one?
For those of you who don’t know about this brew, it’s actually a blend of two different beers. One part Oak-aged English Strong Ale, and one part of the famous 90-Minute IPA. YUM!
Burton Baton glows like a campfire coal when you hold it up to a light. It’s a little cloudy, which surprised me a bit. It has a load of that famous IPA smell - tons of citrusy (and maybe a bit flowery?) hops. That’s not to say the smell is all hops, there’s a tremendous sweet malt presence in the air as well.
Those same citrus hops grabbed me right away when I first tasted this brew. There’s no doubt it’s a very strong bitterness, but it wasn’t overwhelming, thanks to that English Strong Ale. The heavy malts come in fast, rich, and deep. Dark raisiny fruit notes abound. Needless to say, there’s oak flavor all over the place in this brew. I almost feel like I could spread this beer on a piece of bread and chew it! The finish is long and complex, with oak flavors dominating.
Another intense (and enjoyable) beer from Dogfish Head.
Cellar Outlook:
The label on this brew shows that Dogfish is pretty confident in this brew’s aging (”This beer ages with the best of ‘em”). I expect some significant changes to the flavor profile of the brew over the years. The hops and powerful sweetness should subside somewhat, hopefully letting some of those underlying flavors to shine through more.
Next Tasting: February 2009
Jason
This one, sadly, is my favorite beer, and I can’t find it anywhere anymore.
The Beer Babe | Sep 16, 2008 | Reply
This is my favorite beer of all time. I look forward to every year when this comes out. Theres one aging at my home right now. I always get the itch to break it open.
Dave | Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
just popped open one of these aged one year. hops mellowed a little, with a mild astringent, piney (slight) finish. this is a favorite of mine to cellar. great signature dogfish mouthfeel and hop profile. zing! did i say i love these guys? pick some up in feb. i repeat……
joel | Jan 8, 2009 | Reply