ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast · ABV Chicago

DIPA Nostalgia

·1 hr 26 min·8 clips

Ryan and Craig explore why they miss the bitter, malty double IPAs of the past in this nostalgic tasting.

This episode of ABV Chicago features hosts Ryan and Craig exploring nostalgic double IPAs that represent a clearer, more bitter style from the past. The hosts, seasoned Chicago-based craft beer reviewers, use this tasting to reconnect with the bold, malty DIPAs they feel have been overshadowed by modern hazy and fruit-forward versions. They sample five classic double IPAs in order of their original release dates, judging them against their memories and current palates. The first beer is Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA, an Imperial IPA originally released in 2001 and known for its continuous hopping process. Next is Bell's Hopslam Ale, a honey-infused double IPA first launched in 2006 that was once a highly anticipated seasonal release for Ryan. The third beer is Pipeworks' Ninja vs. Unicorn, a Chicago-born DIPA first brewed in a garage in 2011 and known for its intense hop aroma. The hosts reference a potential hop bill of Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Amarillo based on a recent Instagram post for a related beer. Craig notes the 90 Minute IPA smells boozy and malty but lacks the hop punch he desired, while the Hopslam presents a better balance of sweet malt, pine, and grapefruit with a detectable honey character. A surprising insight is that despite its 90 IBU rating, the hosts find the 90 Minute IPA less bitter than expected and lacking in modern hop flavor. They discover the Hopslam's honey sweetness more distinctly when tasted side-by-side with the malt-forward Dogfish Head offering. The Ninja vs. Unicorn delivers a spectacular aromatic burst of dank cannabis, tropical fruit, and pine that immediately impresses both hosts, though Craig wishes for a more substantial malt backbone. Ryan reveals that Pipeworks' DIPA was a foundational beer for his craft beer obsession and the podcast itself, leading to a reflective discussion on the brewery's current brand strategy and lack of a taproom. The tone is deeply conversational, nostalgic, and analytical, blending personal beer history with critical tasting notes. The style is a relaxed, educational review between two friends who are not afraid to critique beloved classics or share tangential stories. This episode is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts who miss old-school West Coast-style double IPAs or enjoy hearing the evolution of iconic beers. Listeners who prefer discussions on hazy IPAs or the latest brewery trends might find the retrospective focus less engaging.

As heard by us

A hospital-night nostalgia hangout that turns Ninja vs. Unicorn into a loose but vivid tasting session.

The episode starts in a hospital room, with Jurassic Park on the TV and a fresh pour of Ninja vs. Unicorn, then wanders into brewery memory and tasting notes.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a beer chat that tastes like old memories and fresh hops.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast