Hawkley Brewing’s DSG IPA: A Beer Review
As a fan of classic West Coast IPAs, I'm always looking for beers that remember what made the style great before hazies took over the craft beer scene. Hawkley Brewing's DSG doesn't try to chase trends. Instead, it delivers a modern take on a traditional West Coast IPA with a focus on bright hop flavor, clean bitterness, and impressive drinkability.
Hawkley Brewing’s DSG is a 6.8 percent ABV American IPA brewed with Cascade, Centennial, and Mosaic hops. Pouring a clear golden-orange color, it features aromas of grapefruit zest, bright citrus, floral notes, and pine resin with subtle tropical accents.
The taste offers citrus and pine flavors alongside a firm bitterness and a restrained malt backbone. Medium-bodied with a dry, crisp finish, the review highlights DSG as a well-crafted traditional West Coast IPA that emphasizes drinkability and classic hop character.
Hawkley Brewing DSG West Coast IPA Review
As a fan of classic West Coast IPAs, I’m always looking for beers that remember what made the style great before hazies took over the craft beer scene. Hawkley Brewing’s DSG doesn’t try to chase trends. Instead, it delivers a modern take on a traditional West Coast IPA with a focus on bright hop flavor, clean bitterness, and impressive drinkability.
Beer Stats
- Brewery: Hawkley Brewing (Herndon, VA)
- Style: American IPA / Modern West Coast IPA
- ABV: 6.8%
- IBU: Not listed
- Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Mosaic
- BeerAdvocate Score: 4.82/5 average (1 rating)
- Untappd Score: 3.79/5 (99 ratings)
Appearance
DSG pours a clear golden-orange color with excellent transparency, exactly what you want from a West Coast IPA. A frothy white head lingers on top and leaves behind respectable lacing as the beer disappears. It looks crisp, clean, and inviting.
Aroma
The first thing that jumps out is grapefruit zest followed by bright citrus and floral notes. As the beer warms, the Centennial and Cascade character develops into a pleasant piney resin aroma that feels distinctly West Coast. Mosaic contributes a subtle tropical edge without pushing the beer into hazy IPA territory.
Taste
This is where DSG shines. Citrus-forward flavors lead with grapefruit and orange peel before transitioning into pine, light resin, and a firm bitterness. The malt backbone remains intentionally restrained, allowing the hops to do most of the talking. The finish is dry, crisp, and leaves you wanting another sip.
Many modern breweries label beers “West Coast IPA” while softening the bitterness to appeal to hazy drinkers. DSG avoids that trap, maintaining enough bite to satisfy traditional IPA fans without becoming aggressive or palate-wrecking.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. The texture is smooth but not creamy, allowing the crisp finish to remain the focal point. The dryness enhances drinkability and keeps the beer refreshing throughout the entire pint.
Overall
What I appreciate most about DSG is its commitment to style. Hawkley Brewing understands that a West Coast IPA should be bright, citrusy, piney, and bitter. Rather than chasing the latest trend, they’ve brewed a beer that celebrates the characteristics that made West Coast IPAs a cornerstone of American craft brewing.
This isn’t a beer trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a beer trying to make the wheel roll as well as possible, and it succeeds. Whether you’re a longtime IPA enthusiast or someone looking to revisit the style that launched the craft beer boom, DSG is worth seeking out.
Final Score
4.25 / 5
Verdict: A well-executed modern West Coast IPA that combines bright citrus, classic pine character, and a clean, dry finish. Hawkley Brewing delivers a balanced, highly drinkable IPA that honors the style’s roots while feeling fresh and contemporary.