Abita Turbodog
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My last Abita beer — the Purple Haze — was a flop. I understand it is a popular beer (I took some heat for the poor review), and perhaps I simply got a bad one, but I generally felt it was a waste of my “one a day” rule and expressed dismay that I had already purchased two other Abita brews.
Two of the email responses recommended I try Turbodog to give Abita another chance, and I decided to use American Craft Beer Week as an excuse to take one more crack at this New Orleans area brewer. And I’m glad I did.
As soon as I opened the bottle, I could tell / smell that I had a much better beer in front of me. It poured such a dark brown that it looked like a stout, with just the barest ruby highlights. My initial pour created the barest of beige heads, and the foam barely lasted long enough to capture a picture — but after taking a few sips, a vigorous swirl brought the head back. In fact, this second foamy head was bigger and more sustainable than before.
Turbodog has a great malty smell, with dark fruit and toffee sluicing through the aroma. Though its 5.6% ABV is not present in the aroma, the rich, malty fumes have much in common with some of the powerful stouts I’ve had recently.
The taste is malty, with a hint of roasted malt and toffee providing character and interest. There’s an almost milk-chocolate sweetness with hoppy fringes. I was braced for a heavy, oily beer — but pleasantly surprised by a light, creamy brew that finished with a flex of lightly bitter hops balanced by roasted malt.
From the Abita website
Turbodog is a dark brown ale brewed with Willamette hops and a combination of pale, crystal and chocolate malts. This combination gives Turbodog its rich body and color and a sweet chocolate toffee-like flavor. Turbodog began as a specialty ale but has gained a huge loyal following and has become one of our flagship brews.
Abita, you’ve won me over this time, and if your Amber is as good as well-crafted as the Turbodog you may convert me into a full-fledged fan.
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