Review: Fieldwork Dancing In The Dank Hazy IPA
Alright, hopheads, let’s get down and funky with Fieldwork Dancing In The Dank Hazy IPA. Fieldwork Brewing consistently pushes the envelope with their IPAs, and this one is a true testament to their mastery of the hazy style, leaning hard into those wonderfully resinous, pungent notes that give it its name. This isn’t just “hazy”; it’s a full-on sensory experience that aims to immerse you in a world of potent hop goodness.
The Pour
From the moment it hits the glass, you know you’re in for a treat. It pours with an incredibly opaque, almost milkshake-like haze, glowing a deep, vibrant golden-orange, truly living up to the “hazy” moniker. A voluminous, creamy white head builds up, leaving thick, clingy lacing down the sides of the glass as you sip. It looks luscious and inviting, hinting at the velvety texture to come.
The Aroma
Get ready to breathe it in, because the aroma of this beer is a dank explosion. The name is no joke here. You’re immediately hit with intense notes of sticky pine resin and cannabis-like pungency, beautifully intertwined with layers of ripe, juicy tropical fruit. Think overripe mango, passionfruit, and a hint of sweet pineapple. There’s also a touch of zesty citrus peel, but the prominent character is undeniably that rich, earthy, and highly aromatic “dankness.” It’s incredibly complex and utterly intoxicating.
The First Sip
The palate delivers on the aromatic promise with remarkable intensity. The first taste is a wave of luscious, ripe tropical fruit, coating the tongue with flavors of mango, passionfruit, and a deep, sweet pineapple. This fruit’s sweetness is quickly complemented, and then overtaken, by the signature dank and resinous character. It’s earthy, slightly spicy, and has that classic, sticky pine sap quality. The bitterness is present but incredibly soft and rounded, never harsh, acting more as a backbone to the massive hop flavors. There’s a beautiful integration, where the fruit and dank notes play off each other, creating a rich and evolving flavor profile.
The Mouthfeel
This is where “Dancing In The Dank” truly excels. The mouthfeel is velvety smooth, full-bodied, and incredibly creamy. It coats the palate most luxuriously, making each sip feel substantial yet effortlessly drinkable. The carbonation is moderate, just enough to lift the flavors without disrupting the silky texture. Despite its richness, it avoids being cloying, leading to a long, satisfying, and very hoppy finish that leaves you wanting more.
The Verdict
Fieldwork Dancing In The Dank Hazy IPA is a masterclass in the “dank” subgenre of Hazy IPAs. It’s an unapologetic celebration of those resinous, pungent hop characteristics, perfectly balanced with a vibrant tropical fruit sweetness. It’s complex, intensely aromatic, and possesses a mouthfeel that is simply divine. If you appreciate a Hazy IPA that goes beyond just juicy to embrace its full “dank” potential, this beer will have your taste buds dancing indeed. Highly recommended for those who love bold, aromatic, and beautifully crafted hazies.