2008. The much anticipated... Thanks cpferris for the trade. Well now, down to business. Pours a hazy dark orange-amber with a thin, fine, light tan head. The beer even looks malty (not my favorite characteristic in double IPAs). On to the aroma, which is dense with dark, caramelized citrus peel (grapefruit, lemon) hops characteristics. This is followed by spice, then resin, which is combined with syrupy malt and alcohol. Smells huge. The flavor is thick and dark with "cooked" citrus hops flavors and ultra-dense bitterness that are intensified by lots of malt sweetness and some alcohol presence. The flavor is not grainy or dry (things I usually like in double IPAs), but sweet and malty with a barrage of bitterness. The body is just as thick and immense as everything else about this beer. The alcohol is fairly well contained but there’s no hiding it. The bitterness and alcohol finishes long, warm, and raspy. This is a well put-together beerof immense proportions. It is skillfully made to be sure, but not in the same class as the finest double IPAs. Rather than a finely crafted grain dimension and vibrant hops profile this beer is heavy and distinctly "dark." A very enjoyable drinking experience that reminds me of a hugely hoppy American barleywine, and not necessarily the best double IPA in the world.

I was not initially a hop-head, but the more IPA and IIPAs I try and the more I learn about the various hops, their flavor profiles and their potential, the more enamored and under the influence of the ever so delicate and seductive hop I become. Not to be toyed with, Lady Hop can subtly lure you into her embrace, or just as likely, attack you from behind and hold you in her grip until you submit. A fantastical tease.
Dreadnaught poured a golden amber hue into my glass as a minor head of foam rose to meet the challenge, then humbly stepped down, leaving a lingering trail of brussels lace along the way. As she bowed out, an incredibly sweet, wet, oily piney nose took over. I even detected a hint of old socks. The prevalent nose though was one of sweet sap and oily freshly crushed pine. Anyone who has been in a forest of pine trees and smelled the dew in the air and the trampled wet pine needles below your feet will understand. But I digress. As I enjoy my first quaff, then another, her body is thick, sticky, viscous and sweet. A hint of peaches mingle along with the dominating pine. She coats my tongue with each quaff where I detect bitterness along the sides and very back of my tongue. like a kiss, she is there and then gone, barely lingering long enough for some idle chatter, choosing instead to be on her way so as to tempt you to further pursuit. As I finish my glass of Three Floyds Dreadnaught Imperial IPA, I am reminded of a sweet and crisp finish as I gaze up at the towering pine trees above and all around me, inhaling and tasting their fresh natural bounty.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Dreadnaught Imperial IPA from Three Floyds Brewing. I can see why it has garnered overwhelming rave reviews. I fear then that I shall blaspheme by saying she is not my favorite IIPA, but she is definitely in my top 5. An easy win for any hop-head. Should I ever come across a bottle or two, I will gladly bring her home with me.

From 5/28/08. Amber gold color with fluffy white head that fades to a layer of foam for the entirety of the beer. Nice lacing. Sweet hoppy smell. Mostly pineapple(?) then pine and citrus. Absolutely great nose. Taste is even better. Bitter and citrus hoppy but also extremely well balanced by malt especially for an IIPA. As it warms I get more tropical fruit tastes but especially pineapple. Syrupy and smooth. Aside from ABV this is just extremely well balanced and drinkable. Highly recommended.

22oz bottle from the brewery. She comes out in a nice cloudy burnt orange. Decent head fades rather quickly but carbonation keeps bubbling from the bottom. Aroma is hops hops hops and some malt. Lovely smell, there’s some fruit in there too. She tastes of hops hops hops and fresh fruit. Solid taste with a lot going on. Slight warm of alcohol finish. Lasting mouthfeel, I can still taste it. Mmm that’s good. Lacing is there but not much to talk about. Excellent brew, A+++ will drink again

Amber-orangeish color, with a fluffy white, leaving laces, candied orange peel nose with a nice apricot flowery hop accent, with some cedary, coniferous, resiny pine niddle notes and a hint of hemp leafiness in the aroma follows through on a medium-bodied palate with a yeasty, toasty malt, candied apricot, orange peel, marmalade character, than wow!! a nice flowery hop lush conefirous, cedary, resiny, pine niddle flavor, kind concentrated hoppy pallet , but well balanced with a mellow sweetness, leading towards a citrus, lemony, lime, cedary, leafy hop bitterness finish.