# Hawkley Brewing’s DSG IPA: A Beer Review

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/hawkley-brewings-dsg-ipa-beer-review/
- Published: 2026-10-18T08:00:00-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

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

[⌊Hawkley Brewing DSG⌉⌊Hawkley Brewing DSG⌉[

 * **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](https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/72003/802537/))
 * **Untappd Score:** 3.79/5 ([99 ratings](https://untappd.com/b/hawkley-brewing-dsg/6604147/))

#### 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.

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