A longtime beer can remain beloved in a fast-paced market because it has a cult following, because it fits a really niche need or, for better or worse, because it’s so widely distributed it becomes a default choice.

Sometimes, a beer remains hot because it’s still so damn good.

Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a gateway beer, is replicated by other IPAs, is a perfect choice to bring to a party, can be enjoyed year round and in nearly any setting. I’ve had this beer at company holiday parties, at house parties and at a restaurant on early dates with my now-husband.

ABV: 6% | IBU: 60

It’s astounding that a small brewery in Delaware — not Colorado or California or even New York — took off in the 1990s and remains successful and innovative. This success is firmly rooted in Sam Calagione, Dogfish’s founder and president, but also because the product is simply consistent and enjoyable.

(READ: PorchDrinking Explores the OGs of Craft Beer)

Dogfish has a 120, 60, 75 and 90 Minute IPA; the 90 and 60 are arguably the most popular. (The name comes from the continual hopping process during boil: 60 Minute IPA is hopped for 60 minutes.) 60 Minute was launched in 2003.

It’s trite to say the beer is balanced, but it certainly is. It’s a deep gold on color, has a solid lacing and carries a bit of pine/grass and herbs on your palate. It finishes clean and dry and with a lower ABV, you can have more than one with confidence.

To get a taste of the beer without having some in your fridge, hear it from Dogfish’s Calagione himself in a YouTube clip.

Featured image courtesy of Dogfish Head.

The cheese pairing that Dogfish recommends is a vintage cheddar; grab some pretzels and beer cheese and you’re set. The beer is available in 12-ounce bottles, 12-ounce cans and then also fun 19.2-ounce cans.

This beer has gone far in its 15 years, parallel to the path of Dogfish Head at large. The company distributes in 40 states plus Washington, D.C., and growth should be expected, with innovative work like their Dogfish Inn and expansion in tasting rooms and dining.

About the OGs of Craft Beer Series

We at Porchdrinking.com thoroughly enjoy covering craft beer trends and showcasing the newest and beers. But, before terms like Brut, Milkshake, New England and even BBA entered the brewing-industry lexicon, beer fans were thrilled to taste Ambers, Pale Ales and some mysterious beer that may or may not have arrived from India. So, for one month, we are going to take time to remember some of those OGs of Craft Beer — the brews that made it all possible. While we can’t cover all the OGs of Craft Beer, we want to take this time in August to pay homage to several of them. If your favorite “classic” isn’t on the list; don’t fret. Let us know what you loved back in the day (or still do), and bring attention in the comments section below or via our social media channels.

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