Are You Afraid of the Dank? Cellarmaker’s West Coast DIPA Packs a Punch
If there’s one thing Cellarmaker Brewing Co. does exceptionally well, it’s hops, and Are You Afraid of the Dank? It is another bold entry in their ever-expanding portfolio of hop-driven creations. This West Coast Double IPA clocks in at 8.2% ABV and lives up to its name with a heady blend of pine, citrus, and that unmistakable dank aroma that hopheads crave.
First Impressions
Right out of the can, this beer pours a brilliant, slightly hazy gold with a pillowy white head. It’s visually clean and bright, which is a welcome throwback to the classic West Coast style, with none of the murky haze found in its East Coast cousins. It’s a clear, golden canvas for the hops to shine.
And shine they do.
Aromatics: All Gas, No Brakes
The aroma of Are You Afraid of the Dark is wildly expressive. There’s no easing into this one—it hits you right away with notes of pine resin, grapefruit pith, dried mango, and unmistakable whiffs of cannabis-like dankness. It’s the kind of aroma that gets your attention and lets you know: this beer means business.
Flavor: West Coast Through and Through
The first sip confirms everything the nose promised. Big hits of sticky pine and citrus rind lead the charge, followed by layers of white peach, lemon zest, and a bit of tropical sweetness to round it out. The bitterness is assertive but clean, hitting early and lingering pleasantly without overwhelming the palate. There’s just enough malt backbone to hold things together, but this beer never lets you forget what it’s all about: hops, hops, and more hops.
Mouthfeel & Drinkability
At 8.2%, you’d expect this DIPA to lean a bit heavy, but it drinks much lighter than it should. Medium-bodied with a crisp, dry finish, it’s dangerously drinkable for the ABV. The carbonation is spot on, enough to lift the hop oils without making the beer feel fizzy or harsh.
Final Verdict
Are You Afraid of the Dank? It’s a love letter to fans of the old-school West Coast IPA style, characterized by its crispness, bitterness, aromatics, and resinous qualities. However, it’s updated with the kind of hop complexity that modern drinkers expect. It’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking at the same time. Cellarmaker continues to prove they’re one of the best in the game when it comes to hop expression, and this DIPA is another gem in their lineup.
If you like your beer bright, bitter, and beautifully dank, don’t be afraid—this one’s calling your name.
Tasting Notes Summary
- Style: West Coast Double IPA
- ABV: 8.2%
- Appearance: Clear gold, fluffy white head
- Aroma: Pine resin, grapefruit peel, mango, cannabis dank
- Flavor: Sticky pine, citrus pith, white peach, sharp bitterness
- Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, dry finish, crisp and clean