I think we can all agree that on its own, peanut butter is pretty tasty, right? But what happens when you add yummy jelly to the mix? It just gets mo' betta! How about ribs? Cook them on their own and they are good eating. But what if you drown them in barbeque sauce and throw them on the grill? They just get mo' betta! What about a Dogfish Head IPA? By itself, it is enough to make your mouth water in anticipation. But what happens when you toss some sweet apricots into the equation and make the offering known as Aprihop? You guessed it. It...just...gets...mo'...betta!

In the glass, Aprilhop has a coloration that is best described as amber with some lighter brown hues around the edges when held up to a light source, and some ruby tint when held away. This aspect alone is enough to keep one entertained for a few good minutes. Trust me. I'm not saying it happened with me, but I won't deny it either. A good two fingers worth of off white colored head forms from a hard snifter pour, and it provides some lovely lacing throughout the session. The aromas coming out of the glass range from highly floral hops, to distant pine resin, all the way down to warm bready malts. It is more easily summarized by saying it's a quality smelling IPA from Dogfish Head. Everything that is expected to be there is there. The only difference is that there is a rich and sweet aroma that lands in the middle of peach nectar and apricots that seems to support the entire bouquet. It never dominates, but is there at all times, and is a lovely change of pace for an IPA.

Going in for the first taste leaves no taste bud disappointed. Again, the quality IPA characteristics expected from Dogfish Head are there in all the right ways. A good hops bite right off the bat that consists of some standard citrus, but also has hints of pineapple dancing around on your tongue. The sturdy malt backbone is mostly of the bread variety, but if you dig deep enough, a faint pop of toffee can be detected from time to time. But as with in the nose, the real treat in Aprihop is the nice blanket of sweetness that seems to wrap the whole package together. I know in its description it states that apricots were used, but my tongue keeps tossing in a bit of peach nectar as well. It could just be a result of flavors blending, but in any event, it is simply delicious. Put all that together with a lively mouthfeel and light and creamy body, and you have one outstanding seasonal offering.

So Dogfish Head has made yet another delectable IPA concoction. At this point are any of you shocked? Yes, it has a twist that shouldn't work, but somehow does. And granted it comes with a good 7% ABV kick, but I would still have no problem recommending it to all levels of drinkers as a seasonal treat. It would make a great high end bridge beer for those still wet behind the ears, as well as a wonderful session beer for those with a little more experience under their belts. The hot weather is on us in full force, and that means more beer for us all. And what is better than more beer? Mo'...betta...beer!