Death By Hops

Death by Hops as explained by their brewmaster: "71lbs of high alpha hops were used to make this beer. That’s just over 20 grams of hops used for each pint! DBH was brewed with 2 row barley, Carapils and Crisp Crystal 45 malts and fermented to 7% alc/vol. DBH was hopped with 5 different West Coast hops: Chinook, Columbus, Simcoe, Centennial and Cascade. Additionally, DBH was twice dry hopped with different combinations of these hops. The net result is an amazing aroma of ripe juicy fruit mixed in with a bouquet of spring flowers. DBH was brewed to a level of bitterness of 108 IBU’s, and leaves a lingering bitterness; it is, after all, a double IPA!"

While not an IPA drinker by nature, I have tried to expand my tastes. I have started to develop a liking for these types of beers and this one was very good. I had never heard of Olde Hickory brewing, but while I was at the local beer store, their rep happened to be stocking shelves. I asked what he recommended and this was the end result. The taste was typical IPA, but with a better finish. The fruit tastes were subtle, just enough to provide great flavor and I didn't find the bitter after taste to be as strong as other double IPAs I have had. Very inexpensive, at $7.99 for a 750mL bottle, Death By Hops is a terrific buy. The 7% by volume is lower than most IPAs, but with a less bitter after taste, I could probably drink a few more. Brewed here in NC makes this beer readily available at most specialty shops, but probably a very difficult find outside of NC. A good find, and a good recommendation.

Taste: 3.5 cans
Drinkability: 3.5 cans
Affordability: 4 cans
Availability: 2 cans
Overall: 3.5 cans

Ratings Explained.

Ratings update:

Some people have discussed the similarities between critieria and the faults of some them as well. Here is the explanation of criteria used to rate each beer:

Affordability: How much does it cost to enjoy the beer for a day of drinking.
Taste: How good does one beer taste, the flavors of the beer
Drinkability: Can I drink this beer for an extended period of time without getting heart burn or feeling something other than the normal affects of too much to drink.
Availability: The number of places I can buy the beer, if people don't have access to it other than the brewery and select stores, it doesn't make it a bad beer, it just limits the number of people who have access to it.


The best beers are going to be available to more people, have all day drinking capabilities, be affordable for all day drinking and have good taste. Obviously this is all personal preference, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Mango Magnifico

Brewed by Founder's Brewing Company the Mango Magnifico is definitely something different. As described by Beer Advocate:
Mango Magnifico pours a yellowish amber into the glass with a moderate sized, creamy head. As the foam fades away a few spots and lines of lace clings to the glass.
The armoa is sweet and fruity. Notes of mango, peach and a little citrus.
Each sip of this medium bodied beer is smooth with mild carbonation. The flavor begins fruity with lots of mango and some orange citrus. There's some bready malt in the middle and it finishes with a peppery spice. The spice and mango lingers on the palate when gone. 
A tasty beer and interesting combination of flavors. It would go great with Mexican food.

I would describe the initial taste like Rubaeus except Mango flavor. Initial taste is very intense and very fruity. This is followed by a slow burn after taste provided by the habanero. If you can't handle spice say hello to instant heart burn.  I loved it, and if I lived near Founders, would probably drink it every time I went in there. Since I don't, I won't. It is on the expensive side at $12.99 per 750mL bottle. It does bolster an 11% by volume so it packs some punch. The brew is limited release, but easily attainable at any beer store that carries Founders products. Overall I rate the beer at 3 cans.

Taste: 4 cans

Affordability: 1 can

Drinkability 4 cans

Availability 1 can

Overall: 3 cans

FWIW, a day after buying the local Founders' rep was part of a St Founders' Day Celebration at a local beer vendor. It is pretty awesome to see Founders' getting serious run here in Durham. It remains my favorite brewery of all time, mixing in different beers for different tastes better than any brewery I have known.