Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Haandbryggeriet Dobbel Dram

by Mike Lorenz on Jul 17, 2011 in Beer
Haandbryggeriet Dobbel Dram

Haandbryggeriet is a small brewery from Norway run by four friends who, after traveling around Europe tasting all the delectable beers available, decided to try to brew beer in their spare time. The name, as I’ve been told, roughly translates to “the Hand Brewery” but don’t ask me for a pronunciation! I’ve heard the name said several different ways and was once scolded at a bar for saying it wrong. Among many different traditional Norwegian styles of beer, Haandbryggeriet has several American style beers included Dobbel Dram, their version of an American Double IPA.

Poured from a slender 16oz bottle, Dobbel Dram has a golden, light amber color that is slightly translucent. Upon first smell, this beer shows its divergence from the typical DIPA, emphasizing a floral hop smell with a malt backbone that doesn’t over power your nose. First sip picks up where our nose left off with a strong malt sweetness balancing out the flavors of the hops. In this DIPA, the hops are not biting or citrus and never dominate the palate and only offer a quick hint of grapefruit bite. Instead, this beer is very sweet, almost too sweet at times, with light touches of floral hop flavor to round out the taste. After a few sips a lingering sweetness remains that never cloys.

Haandbryggeriet is one of my favorite imports at this juncture. They make a ton of interesting beers including an incredible imperial double wheat stout called Dark Force, a traditional smoked ale cleverly named Norwegian Wood and an interesting Akevitt barrel aged porter just to name a few. If you’re interested in trying these great beers, they’re offered on draft around the city from time to time but are easily found at craft take-out shops like the Foodery, Capone’s or Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, where I purchased the bottle used for this review.


Related Articles:

Pennsylvania's New Moonshine

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy Grandma's House Inspired Cocktail Menu

Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy "Grandma's House" Inspired Cocktail Menu

From Executive Chef Evan Snyder and partner Julian van der Tak comes Emmett, a Levantine-Mediterranian bar and...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 25, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close