For those who like hoppy beers, the market resembles that of metal: lots of contenders, each with a unique story and cool logo, but very few that are keepers, meaning of the highest relevance and quality.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA is far from incompetent, and at nine percent ABV, could do your head in, but its lovely bitter flavor is ruined by a bit of soapiness and a faint flavor like aged oil.

It is competent on the whole, goes down smooth, and has none of the signals of bad ingredients or inept brewing, but in the quest for the ultimate bitter day drinking summer IPA, something of balance has been lost.

Tags: beer, dogfish head, IPA