Three Floyds is easily one of the most well-respected breweries in America. But they also have their fair share of haters, too. I know just this past week I became a bit annoyed with the Golden Ticket process for Dark Lord Day, but hey…that’s just one minor mishap. I have my tickets now and I’m ready to head up north for the event. That aside, the Dreadnaught is probably their second most desirable beer by beer geeks. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s a big double IPA that boasts a ton of flavor in a 22 ounce bottle. But even more so is the fact that it’s pretty damn difficult to get a hold of (even one state away). But fresh, this beauty is up there with some of the country’s best Imperial IPAs. Sadly, I think this bottle I ordered online was a touch outdated. While not completely dead, I can still get a very good idea of what the beer is. I also have my memory, too. And my memory knows that this is best enjoyed when it is insanely fresh. Since this one was not the freshest, I still have to go with my gut a bit here and go in the middle of what this one is (a 93) and a fresh bottle I had not long ago (a 97)…
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Jackie Mittoo
Brewery: Three Floyds
Beer: Dreadnaught
Style: Imperial IPA
Location: Munster, Indiana
ABV: 9.5%
Rating: 95/100
Posted by Taylor on March 19, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Rock! Love this beer … I agree with your thoughts on how it “blossoms.” BTW, I and a handful of my fellow writers/home brewers will be at Dark Lord Day in April, too. We’ll keep our eyes peeled. Cheers! @thePHman
Posted by Big Mike on March 19, 2010 at 12:27 PM
I think all breweries should put bottled on dates on every bottle so you know what you’re drinking.
Posted by thehopry on March 19, 2010 at 2:57 PM
Agree 100%. And I don’t mean in some cryptic format either. They should do it just like Pliny the Elder: Bottled on xx/xx/xx…
Posted by Bob Venekamp on March 21, 2010 at 8:49 PM
Hello – I think you are right about the bottle being outdated – the label that has that shine on it was from last year, and the fresh stuff they just released this year does not have that shine to the label. Hope this helps!
Posted by Spenser on March 21, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Picked up a bottle this weekend in Milwaukee and loved it. It’s my first Three Floyds experience and it’s making for a good Sunday night.
I was, however, disappointed that Wisconsin-ites have access to such a superior selection of beers (Oskar Blues, Stone, Victory, etc). It’s crazy that Kansas City can’t get distribution for breweries that are actually geographically as close/closer than Milwaukee.
Love the site, keep up the great posts.
Posted by Big John in NC on October 18, 2010 at 10:04 PM
good review mark
quick question…i am about to trade for this beer. the guy who i am trading with is saying that he doesn’t want to give me a bottle that has already been fridged. does that make sense to you?
Posted by thehopry on October 19, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Hi John –
It really all depends on the bottled-on date. As long as it’s really fresh it should be okay either way. If it’s an older bottle then I would want the one that’s been in the fridge. Pulling it out and letting it come down to room temperature (now that it’s cooler outside) will hurt it less than having an older bottle that’s never been fridged. Does that help?
Thanks
Mark Starr
Posted by Big Mike on November 21, 2011 at 1:49 PM
I was finally able to get my hands on a bottle of this. I must say this beer is up there with est DIPA’s I’ve ever had. If I had regular access to this beer I might not drink anything else.