DuClaw was actually my first stop on a recent trip to Maryland.  I wrote about Flying Dog first because I just had to get that off my chest. DuClaw was a refreshing and wonderful experience and I cannot say enough nice things about them or their beer.

I visited the DuClaw brewpub located at Arundel Mills Mall.  I never really realized how close this location was to the airport and may have to make this a stop next time I am in town as well. Literally, five minutes from the rental car pickup this is a must stop if you fly into BWI.

I did a six sampler flight of my choice during this stop. Unfortunately, I was by myself so I didn’t really think I should try all 22 beers that were available.

I started with the Grid Lock IPL. I have to admit I am somewhat fascinated by the concept of the IPL, as they are still quite rare and many are not distinguishable from an IPA.  This one was. It had a nice hop nose and bitter finish but was very light in color like a lager. It also still maintained that distinctive lager finish and flowery taste and nose.

Neon Gypsy IPA had a slight hop nose and was very bitter on the finish. It had a hint of a grassy, weedy flavor.  A solid IPA on all accounts.

Serum XXIPA was very, very bitter on first taste so bitter than I actually squashed up my nose as I wasn’t expecting it. I also detected a hint of that skunk flavor but you really had to taste for it. The bitterness here I found just a bit offputting and that it needed more sweetness for balance. My least favorite of the beers here.

Dirty Little Freak, on the other hand, may have been my favorite.  A coconut caramel brown ale this was a Mounds bar in a glass. There was a good flavor of coconut but it was not overpowering with a hint of chocolate on the nose and taste.  This reminded me of the Maui Toasted Coconut Porter that ranks in my top 10 of all time. I have to get this beer again!

Naked Fish is a chocolate raspberry stout and according to the manager, who came over to talk with me about the beers and brewery, the most popular seasonal beer. This one apparently won a silver at GABF. It smells and tastes like a chocolate truffle. Don’t miss this one if you get a chance!

Sweet Baby Jesus is probably the best known of the DuClaw beers. I have a bottle sitting in the other room and have promised about 10 people they can give it a try– guess it is gonna be a small pour. You will not find anything closer to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in a glass than this beer. This chocolate peanut butter porter took bronze at GABF.

Guilty Filthy Soul is an imperial chocolate rye porter.  This didn’t have much of a nose to me and not as much chocolate on the finish as the other beers I tried. There was a underlying rye flavor but this beer tasted more of a dark malt with a more porter like flavor.

Retribution is a single bourbon barrel imperial stout. The bourbon nose on this beer was fantastic as were the bourbon flavors. The bourbon flavors here were bold not like those in a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout or Ale. In fact, the flavors here might be considered by some as a bit overwhelming. I am a bourbon fan so for me this was a very well done beer.

I highly recommend a stop at DuClaw. I think next time I might try to make it up to the actual brewery near Baltimore. The beers here are worth the trip and the staff at this location were fantastic. At the end of my visit, I wanted to buy some beer but they only sell full six packs. However, one of the staff directed me to the local Total Wine where I was at least able to get some Sweet Baby Jesus. Going out of your way means a lot to a visiting beer lover!