Midas Touch - Dogfish Head Brewery

didgeridolphin

Northern Mariana Islands

4.18/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I grab one of these when I want something just a little different. Of course, this is sort of a "hybrid," really, between beer and wine (since it is fermented with muscat grapes). I'll also admit that I probably enjoy this beer much more knowing the attempt to "reconnect with history." However, such illogical aspects of the sensory experience are, in my opinion, just as valid as are others.

I tend to search for the saffron. As I take one taste I'll think "There it is! Nice and subtle!" The next taste will seem much more "grape-like." Also, I do tend to be a bit of a "hop-head" usually, and it's my understanding that there are no hops here -- all the more reason for me to be in awe at this attempt, and this result.

If you start with this beer fairly cold, and sip it with patience, you will find that it will give surprising complexity and variability as it's temperature slowly rises. Some sips you will "find" the spiciness. At the next temperature, not so much.

All in all, a very fun little connection to history (although, of course, tweaked for the modern palate). My best advice for you in tasting this beer is this: Just don't take it too seriously. This is a light, somewhat spicy, and fun connection with a bygone (VERY bygone) era. Enjoy it as such.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 12:14:31 | More by didgeridolphin

BlueRidgeBeerHound

3.45/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

this beer is very unique, the story, the taste, the brew, the idea. i really REALLY wanted to love this beer but it just wasnt anything special. I gave the smell a 5 as its not like any beer youll smell anywhere else. I only had one bottle, maybe if i had more i would understand the hoopla. still, gotta give it up for Dogfish, taking american beer in new directions. mad props.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 02:45:51 | More by BlueRidgeBeerHound

TBoneJones

Texas

3.01/5  rDev -19.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

So i spy just one single bottle of this remaining within the last 4-pack holder on shelf at the market, and although i recall not liking this at all the one time i tried this several years ago, i figure let me do this once more. Pours a bright golden with a finger-thin saliva-white head. Looks unusually light for what's to be a 9% abv. ale. Lots of small bubbles in here.
Smells faintly wheat- lemon like aroma, herb-like, some honey detectable. Light smells either way. Nothing big.
Heres the taste i recall disliking. Maybe a bit better now that i have broader experience in tasting various styles. I do have in mind the fact that DFH used an ancient recipe in this creation. This just goes down rough for me. Feels ok, but that back-taste is like an earth-heavy yet metallically herbal funk to me.
Overall, while I probably wont grab this again, i couldnt imagine any other brewery putting this together as such.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 19:44:40 | More by TBoneJones

ummswimmin

New Jersey

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

I've had this one a couple times in the past. I appreciate Sam's effort toward the original with the historical offering.

This beer comes out golden with about two fingers of head. I immediately breathe in the sweetness from this one. It really comes out at you.

As I breathe in more of the aroma: I get the honey, pilsner presence, and the venous quality of the wine. The balance has never really hit the nose on this one (but that isn't the point).

The flavor has a lot of honey and the grapes. You can really taste the grape presence that stands out in this one. It really plays out like a dessert wine more than a beer.

Some people really like this beer. I appreciate it for the significance of making it. I take my hat off to Sam for being a true original.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 02:38:58 | More by ummswimmin

Bucciamarcia

Florida

3.25/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25

A: Light and crisp, head is white and disappears in seconds.

S: bitter, can't smell a lot.

T: very bitter, alcohol kicks in quickly, light honey notes. Not very complex. As the beer warms up the grapes and spices get more intense.

M: heavier than expected, very carbonated.

O: the 9% ABV kicks your taste buds hard and the bitter taste does the rest. It is not a bad beer if this is what you are looking for, but I've tasted better. Drink it only slightly below room temperature to enhance the flavor and spices.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 04:25:02 | More by Bucciamarcia

GossageBrewery

Missouri

4.23/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured this spiced beer into a pint glass from a 12oz bottle. This ale poured a hazy golden orange color, produced a very thin white head, poor retention and left no lacing on the glass. The aroma consisted of grapes and honey- Im detecting something floral which i can only imagine would be the saffron. Can't say I have ever smelled saffron to know for sure. Medium to full bodied, this ale boasts a 9% ABV, A nice base of a buttery biscuit is a segway to the flavor of honey, grapes and spicy saffron. This brew has many wine like characteristics and is also somewhat tart and warming at the finish. Overall, this is a awesome concept beer- Creative and fun- Great for a session or dinner with family and friends. Prost!

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 00:13:56 | More by GossageBrewery

kangarooAdam59

Wyoming

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Bottled May 2, 2012, but at 9%, well, here goes:

Into a pint glass:

A: light golden colore body and leaves a one finge white foamy head that immediately dissipates. Carbonation rises at a moderate pace. No lacing, but a ring of concave lacing clings to the pint glass and follows the sips down

S: honey up front

T: honey is tasted yet the saffron, and hops are noted as well.

M: light to medium with a great balance between the harshness of saffron and hops to the honey and grapes. There is a slightly sticky aftertaste and a wet finish. The alcohol is not felt at all.

O: mostly impressed. I'd pick this one up again and am thinking this'll be fairly decent with a whitefish meal. Nice how this one held up from May until now. However, I wonder if I had this fresher if the saffron would have come out more so in the smell?

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 02:07:45 | More by kangarooAdam59

Chadhowie

California

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Had to try Midas simply because of the 2700 year implications and mystery. Dog Fish Head did a great job making this a very drinkable beer while certainly leaving you with a taste of Chardonnay in your mouth. I would recommend this beer on the sheer history of the recipe alone.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 00:38:16 | More by Chadhowie

TheMarkE

California

3.94/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

An ale made with honey, saffron, and muscat grapes? I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Dogfish Head is all about the quality so I had to try it. Malty at first, with a nice honey and grape aftertaste. The 9% ABV is well hidden by the complex flavors. Last Christmas I treated myself to a bottle of Samuel Adams Infinium, and this blows it away at a fraction of the price. Not for everybody, but the best marriage of wine and beer I've found.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 20:25:42 | More by TheMarkE

vickersspitfire

Texas

3.85/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours out a crystal clear light blond color, it has plenty of carbonation and is topped off with a nice semi thick white head that slowly thins out; Very good lacing. The aroma is rather light, mild grasses and herbs come through, small amounts of lemon. The flavors are pretty complex, I can taste some apple, apricot and peaches, mild orange and some spices in the after taste. Honey, grapes, and a very slight sweet-tart flavor are also in the mix. The alcohol is well hidden and only detectable as you swallow for a brief second. This is a semi dry beer and has a light-to-medium mouth feel but is very interesting and goes down pretty smooth.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 08:51:07 | More by vickersspitfire

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a light golden color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is very mild, some light notes of honey. Taste is different, alcohol is certainly present, a bit wine like with some grape flavors, a bit of honey as well. Unique to say the least. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a pretty good beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 12:25:22 | More by tone77

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.5/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

cool idea, weird final product. pours clear golden with some yeast floaters and a thin white head that dies fast. it literally smells like feet, or like babies, or something that im kind if indifferent to at best, but the honey notes are the most obvious. the flavor too is honey heavy, which im fine with, and the other ingredients come together in a strange sort of way. not totaly palatable or delicious, but clever and unique. the mix of spices and herbs in this is downright odd and its hard to tell if there is balance here or not because its all totally foreign to me. the dry finish is nice though, and its welcomed here as a respite from the weirdness. alcohol is invisible somehow. good carbonation and a medium to full body. overall a strange creation, worth a try because its dogfish head, and because its one of the archeological beers, which i feel like are our duty to try to comprehend. i certainly enjoyed the challenge of this one, but i wont buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 22:37:20 | More by StonedTrippin

Braz

Washington

3.75/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Scents are fruity and sweet, a little red wine and spice notes. Very clear gold with a fluffy white head that leaves a bubbly lace scattered on top and around edges. Tastes a bit tannin like, ever so slight tartness with a spicy red wine finish. Light carbonation, viscous body with dry finish. Aftertaste is very reminiscent of red wine. Very warming. Fairly enjoyable, almost taste like an under carbonated dubbel.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 20:09:33 | More by Braz

KKB

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A – I definitely made a mistake in waiting so long to try this beer. I bought it about 6 months ago and just from the pour I can see that it must have lost some of it’s pop as the head only lasted for about a moment before receding to nothing. Still, there seems to be a steady carbonation flowing up from the bottom which I will not complain about. The body is a bronze/copper/gold mixture—saffron really—and at least it looks very fine.

S – The nose is certainly unique, much like the nature of this beer. The bottle actually outlines the flavors rather perfectly. Upon first inhale the thing that comes to the forefront is the white grapes (which is really the dominant scent), and you can certainly appreciate the honey and the barley. I’m not entirely sure what saffron smells like but I am getting a slight spicy element here so lets go ahead and call that saffron.

T – I must admit that my first impression is that I am a little disappointed. The flavor is basically a carbon copy of the nose, except that the fruity element lent by the white grape seems overripe now. This may be owing to the length of time that I waited to drink this but I’m not so sure. In any case, as I continue sipping I’m growing a bit more accustomed to it and can appreciate it a bit better. I think I needed to give my taste buds a moment to process what it was taking in, because now it is actually cool, light, refreshing and fruity—a vast improvement from my first sip. I’m still not bowled over by the flavor but I can respect it and just how unique it is. This is a brave undertaking by dogfish head and I award them my kudos (meager as it may be). Very cool that this was made with the ingredients found in the tomb of King Midas, I feel like I’m stepping into a time machine. It drinks somewhat like a desert wine but it certainly has enough beer-like qualities to achieve an interesting balance here. Unique, I will give it that, is this flavor overwhelmingly wonderful? No. It is pretty damn good though, if a little cloying towards the end.

M – The mouthfeel is impressive actually. It is full and opulent and yet it is not too thick or very sticky. It is very well executed and may be the highlight of the beer actually.

O – I think it’s very cool that I am able to drink a beer made with ingredients from King Midas’ 2,700 year old tomb, but that novelty will only get you so far. This is a very unique beer, and I’m glad to have drank it, but it is not outstanding really. Unique does not equal great unfortunately. Is this good? Absolutely. Do I recommend you try it? For sure. But know that I am not recommending this because I think it will knock your socks off, so much as because I think it’s cool, and definitely good. Just not great.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 05:50:37 | More by KKB

Ethanol4one

New York

4.68/5  rDev +25.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I agree with those who say that this beer stands alone, without easy comparisons.

It's time machine back to a time before video poker, boxed wine or guys like Dick Cheney on Segways, so comparing it to big bland brother, or even all the various popular, hopped up or milky styles of craft ale springing up is a little like postulating what the world would look like if Nero had a Moog (synthesizer).

Aroma was breaded, not like Chicken fried anything, but more like that bakery on the Seal pier in San Francisco, where the sour dough is the star. Didn't really detect anything I'd call saffron, but haven't had much saffron to compare. And since it's 40 dollars per pinch, I guess I can guess why.

Tasting amounted to grapes balanced against other components, sort of like a strong, distinctive spiced sherry, sweetened back and well balanced or a sangria with citrus notes.

It's not overly spicy like the minced meat pie-fruit cake effect of Raison D'Etre, or done poorly with the ripple of another grape-beer cross over from the 70's, "Malt Duck", brought to you by National Brewing Company of Baltimore (the makers of Colt 45), and the first beverage that made me yack, and which kept me well away from hooch until my late teens.

Mouth-feel is what sets it apart from the glycerine dessert, sherry, ice wine iterations with a thicker, if course malty sensation that a stout may leave behind.

Overall, this is an extraordinary beverage, and one I'd order again. I'd like to see thicker head, and more saffron favor, but who am I, King Midas? Exactly.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 23:37:18 | More by Ethanol4one

Azntaiji

Washington

2.85/5  rDev -23.4%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

A - Poured 12 oz bottle into oversized wine glass. 1 finger of head that quickly diminishes, with a mute pink-orange color.

S - Smells of grapes and fruit. Does not smell like a beer, very wine-y.

T - Instantly can taste the Muscat Grapes. Very weird for a beer, slight sweet taste of honey. Very sweet, something that I'd drink as a dessert beer on a special occassion. Taste of grape throughout the whole palate. I don't pick up any Saffron whatsoever. Drank this one pretty quickly, and the 9% ABV sure does kick in, amidst being very hidden throughout the taste.

M - Very low carbonation, syrupy, laces to the glass.

O - This is a weird beer. Period. I don't even know what to classify it as. Overall the taste is too sweet for my liking and this is something I'd only have once or twice a year, if that. Regardless, you must try this beer to know what it tastes like. I think more carbonation would make this beer better, but other than that it's a beer of its own.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2012 01:57:48 | More by Azntaiji

Docrock

Illinois

3.03/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle poured into pint glass..

A. Golden straw colored, slight head on pour that quickly dissipated to a thin film. Minimal lacing

S. no discernible beer character, slight funk which I am guessing is their spices, but saffron? Not picking it up

T. Definitely taste the body of the Muscat grapes, which is a grape I have a strong attraction too.

M. Thinner than I expected for a 9 above brew. Minimal carbonation, aftertaste lingers for quite awhile. It's not an unpleasant aftertaste, just lingering..

O. An unusual beer, not quite sure how to classify. Would I drink it again, probably but wouldn't be my first choice. If your in the mood for something different, this is it!

Consumed 12-8-12

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 03:57:05 | More by Docrock

CTAdams

4.05/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This beer is interesting in the sense that it is really impossible to rate. It's based off an ancient beer, it's in it's own category, so really there's no other beer to gauge it against.

So I'll just hit the important parts,

S: the aroma was nothing special, kinda bland.

T: was thick and tasted almost more like wine with the very strong flavors of grape and honey, but tastes exactly like I would think an ancient beer to be like, not exactly a beer but not exactly a wine.

M: taking into account the process of how I took the taste again the mouth feel was great, it was smooth and had no indication of the fact that it was a 9% beer.

O: was highly impressed with this beer as a beer, it was ok but for wthat DFH was going for it was easily a 5. So it becomes a 4. It's beers like this and breweries like this that are the reason why I'm excited to try a new beer everytime I go somewhere. I would definitely have this beer again.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 00:19:52 | More by CTAdams

LeRose

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +19.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I am definitely on the love it end of the scale with this stuff. Beautiful clear, golden color with a small, tight white foamy head. Amazing cross between beer, mead, and white wine. Tons of fruit aroma - raisins, maybe apricot/ peach, nicely carbonated and light. To me the malt hits late. The grape taste shines, as does the honey. To me the malts are taking a supporting role here - the other flavors shine through much more on top of the malty backbone. It certainly is different with mead, beer, and wine characteristics all rolled into one. Great change of pace and unexpected. Keeper.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2012 15:06:33 | More by LeRose

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.55/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Hazy straw color. Frothy off-white head that started at about two fingers in height but quickly faded to a small film of head.

Aroma: Some sweet breadiness. The sweet part is possibly from the honey or a mix of that and the white grapes. No hops or alcohol. Smells alright, no off-odors but nothing special. Almost like a Pale Ale.

Taste: Sweet and bready palate. No hops and the sweetness from the grapes and honey cover up any bitterness. Wouldn't guess that this is 9% ABV. However, it does drink like a wine/cidar in a way (the grapes probably push this issue). It's an attractive and slightly unique flavor but not a must-try. Very clean taste.

Mouthfeel: Oddly wet and dry at the same time. Medium in body. Easily drinkable.

Final Thoughts: Far from being my favorite DFH offering, Midas Touch is an interesting beer that delivers on it's promise of barley, honey, and white grape flavors. Would I drink it again? Probably not.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 23:06:03 | More by JamesMN

tectactoe

Michigan

2.86/5  rDev -23.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75

Pours a golden yellow color, fairly cloudy and opaque with a small head that doesn't last for very long. In the initial aroma, I'm picking up some strange sweet notes and tartness, maybe cherries and peaches. Weird medicinal, chalky smell clouds it up a little bit. Taste is actually a bit different than the smell would lead on, hitting first with a bit of alcohol warmth, slightly on the rubbing alcohol side. Then some spices come into the mix; saffron, allspice, and maybe even chili powder? It's certainly not "spicy", but the background notes have a strange reminiscence of chili. Slight cheesy residue kind of taste on the back of the tongue, slightly off putting. Lots of yeast and wheat throughout, mixes well with the tart sweetness. Very mild bitterness, low on the hop presence. Aftertaste also includes a touch of honey (finally I can taste it) as well as some fruity esters and a dirt-like earthiness. Medium body, lots of carbonation to back this one up.

Strange brew here, for sure. I'm not exactly sure how to put my finger on it. It wasn't awful, but I would probably never have it again. Alcohol was present, but still didn't feel quite like a 9% beer. Overall pretty average.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2012 01:29:01 | More by tectactoe

darktower

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Interesting brew....the smell has a touch of something that somewhat turns me off. I can't really put my finger on it though. Color is a hazy dark straw color. Head diminishes quickly and legs receed quickly. Taste is...unique. There's a mild sweetness that makes itself known in the middle of the sip, almost a grape like quality to it. Moves into a honey finish that subsides fast. I find that a lot of the 'unique' brews aren't good for drinking on a semi-regular basis but this I could drink a few times a year.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 01:41:31 | More by darktower

Murrhey

Montana

2.93/5  rDev -21.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass. Reviewed live.

A- Finger and a half white head, rapidly receding retention, possibly attributed to the high ABV. Semi-cloudy straw color. No tremendously appealing.

S- Honey, chamomile, and strong herbs. Not sure what to think of it. Herbal and some malts in the background, but very weak.

T- Sweet and herbal. Alcohol is hidden well. Bland.

M- Thick and wet.

O- Not impressed. Too bad, I had heard a lot about this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2012 03:56:52 | More by Murrhey

CloudStrife

New York

3.68/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a snifter. Bottled 06/29/12.

A: Pours a clear light golden amber with a 1 finger white head. Not too much visible carbonation. Head dissipates in a few minutes and doesnt leave much lacing.

S: Its almost like a tea aroma with its herbal essence. Malt comes to mind as well. Pretty faint but certainly not offensive.

T: Real smooth taste due to the honey. Can get the saffron from it in a nice spiciness. A grapey booze to it.

M: Fairly light for 9%. Low carbonation. Is certainly not watery. Honey always helps a lot on the tongue.

Overall quite the interesting brew. The honey makes the beer and the saffron keeps it unique.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2012 01:10:50 | More by CloudStrife

slim2043

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured From 12oz bottle to reg pint glass

A - golden color w little white head
S - very unique funky pleasant smell. Can't pinpoint it almost like a white wine
T - tastes sweet and boozy but quite nice again kinda like wine
M - very smooth nice carb
O- very trcky interesting beer. I'd have it again. Sure it's a beer? Or is it hooch or vino? Hmmm

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2012 03:29:22 | More by slim2043