For decades, CREEM Magazine’s Boy Howdy mascot appeared on a fake beer can that was one of rock journalism’s most recognizable props. Dogfish Head made it real: Boy Howdy is a proper American cream ale, part of the brewery’s Small Batch Series, brewed as a nod to CREEM’s Detroit roots.
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy at a glance
| Style | American cream ale |
| ABV | 5.5% |
| IBU | 12 |
| Brewery | Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Delaware |
| Release type | Small Batch Series collaboration with CREEM Magazine |
| Availability | Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas |
How it tastes
Dogfish Head’s own tasting notes describe Boy Howdy as deep gold with a veil of haze and a white head, built on the smoothness of select corn brightened by Michigan-grown hops, a direct nod to CREEM’s Detroit origins.
On the nose, expect light citrus, corn and light malt. The brewery describes the taste as bready with light sweetness, low bitterness and light corn character, boasting notes of bright citrus and a touch of soulful herb over that classic cream ale smoothness.
Mouthfeel is light-bodied and crisp, which fits the style: cream ales are built to be an easy, sessionable American original rather than a complex sipper, and Boy Howdy leans fully into that with its 12 IBU and 5.5% ABV.
CREEM’s iconic fictional beer can is finally the real deal, and Dogfish Head built it as a genuinely easy-drinking cream ale rather than a novelty one-off.
- Official Dogfish Head tasting notes back up the cream ale style: light-bodied, crisp and smooth
- Michigan-grown hops tie the recipe directly to CREEM’s Detroit roots
- Genuinely sessionable at 5.5% ABV and 12 IBU
- A fun, well-executed piece of music and beer crossover history rather than a shallow branding exercise
- Only available in five states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas
- Low IBU and light body mean hop fans looking for a bolder beer should look elsewhere in Dogfish Head’s lineup
- Small Batch Series releases can be inconsistent in supply as they roll out
- Not yet available through major alcohol-delivery apps, including Saucey
Who it is for
Boy Howdy is for cream ale fans, Dogfish Head regulars, and anyone with a soft spot for CREEM Magazine or rock history looking for an easy, sessionable beer. It is not the pick for drinkers chasing a hop-forward or high-ABV Dogfish Head release.
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy FAQs
What is Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
Boy Howdy is an American cream ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, made in collaboration with CREEM Magazine and based on the magazine’s decades-old fictional Boy Howdy beer can mascot.
What is the ABV of Boy Howdy?
Boy Howdy is 5.5% ABV with 12 IBU.
What does Boy Howdy taste like?
Per Dogfish Head’s own tasting notes: deep gold with a veil of haze, light citrus and corn on the nose, and a bready, light-sweet taste with low bitterness and light corn character, finishing light-bodied and crisp.
Where can I buy Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
Boy Howdy is available in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas as part of Dogfish Head’s Small Batch Series.
Is Dogfish Head Boy Howdy available on Saucey?
No. We checked Saucey’s search directly (with delivery set to Los Angeles) and Boy Howdy does not come up yet, though Dogfish Head’s core lineup like 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPA is on the platform.
Where to buy Dogfish Head Boy Howdy
Boy Howdy is not yet listed on Saucey; we checked directly and only Dogfish Head’s core 60 Minute and 90 Minute IPA came up in search. Look for it at retailers and on tap in its five current states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas), or at Dogfish Head’s own taproom in Milton, Delaware.
The verdict
Boy Howdy is a genuinely well-made cream ale, not just a novelty beer riding on CREEM Magazine’s name recognition. Dogfish Head’s own tasting notes point to a smooth, crisp, easy-drinking beer that respects the cream ale style while tying the recipe back to CREEM’s Detroit roots through Michigan hops. The five-state footprint is the main limiter for now.
Want more options in this style? Check out our picks for the best summer beers.
FAQs
Who makes Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy is brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (part of the Boston Beer Company (maker of Samuel Adams), following a 2019 merger).
What kind of beer is Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy is an American cream ale, at 5.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy has an ABV of 5.5%.
Is Dogfish Head Boy Howdy gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Dogfish Head Boy Howdy is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Dogfish Head Boy Howdy taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Dogfish Head Boy Howdy made?
Dogfish Head Boy Howdy is brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Delaware.
How do I open Dogfish Head Boy Howdy without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Dogfish Head Boy Howdy?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for an American cream ale like Dogfish Head Boy Howdy. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
