It's a famous beer with a big reputation and it's far from universally loved. Many can't deal with the overwhelming super sweet orange and pine flavour that jumps out. The beer defies you to put it in a category, which suits Dogfish Head just fine.
I met Sam Calagione and the Dogfish Head staff on a March trip to Delaware and drank with the brewpub staff and other visiting fans both nights of the weekend. While we were there the brewpub was selling aged bottles of 2007 120 minute IPA. I couldn't resist and I dove right in. This next pic is of a glass of fresh keg 120 minute (left) compared against the bottled 2007 120 minute (right).
Crazy difference in colour and clarity right? Crazy difference in taste also. The 2007 version was much smoother and the sweet orange zest has mellowed considerably. The alchohol is even less noticable than before and I'm reminded of a very fine brandy. There's no question that this beer ages well.
Though I should have tried it at the brewpub too, I had already enjoyed a decadent evening with two beer pals when we poured three glasses of heaven and hell into Toscana glasses. This is done by pouring the 120 minute IPA first and then slowly pouring Worldwide Stout on top, best done using a bent spoon (bottom side up) held slightly above the liquid already in the glass. This layered effect not only looks awesome but the combo of the beers is really delicious. For me the best part was close to where the two beers meet, as the sweetness of the IPA mingles with the boldness of the WWS.
