What does dank beer taste like?

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that dank beer is a unique and sought-after style that has gained popularity in recent years. When it comes to describing the taste of dank beer, there are a few key characteristics that set it apart from other styles.

First and foremost, dank beer is known for its intense aromas. When you take a whiff of a dank beer, you'll immediately be hit with a wave of dankness. Think of it as a combination of earthiness, resin, and weed-like aromas. It's often described as having a pungent and skunky smell, similar to a freshly opened bag of hops. However, don't let the comparison to cannabis put you off – the aroma is distinct and can be quite enjoyable if you're a fan of hop-forward beers.

In terms of flavor, dank beer tends to be bold and intense. It's all about the hops in this style, and you can expect a variety of hop flavors to come through. Dank beers are often loaded with hops that impart tropical fruit flavors like peach, mango, papaya, and blueberry. These fruity notes can be quite prominent and add a juicy and luscious quality to the beer.

Alongside the fruitiness, dank beers also have a pronounced bitterness. This bitterness comes from the hops and can range from moderate to high, depending on the specific beer. It's often described as a resinous and piney bitterness, reminiscent of biting into a fresh hop cone. This bitterness can linger on the palate and create a refreshing and lingering finish.

One aspect of dank beer that shouldn't be overlooked is the malt character. While the hops take center stage, the malt provides a solid foundation and balance to the beer. In dank beers, you can expect a light candy-like maltiness that adds a touch of sweetness and helps to round out the flavors. It's important to note that the malt presence is usually subtle, as the focus is on showcasing the hops.

Dank beer is a style that is bursting with hop-forward flavors and aromas. It's not for the faint of heart, as the intensity of the hops can be overwhelming for some. However, if you're a fan of bold and flavorful beers, a dank beer might be right up your alley.

In my personal experience, I've had the pleasure of tasting several dank beers and each one has left a lasting impression. One that stands out in my memory is a double IPA that had an incredibly dank aroma of freshly cut grass and tropical fruits. The flavors were equally intense, with a juicy and resinous quality that was both refreshing and satisfying. It was a beer that demanded attention and made me appreciate the complexity and artistry that goes into brewing dank beers.