Namaste - Dogfish Head Brewery

Naugros

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

If not for the off-putting color I would have rated this higher because it raises and sustains a lovely head and leaves behind spiderweb lacing. The color is a hazy pale greenish-yellow...almost the color of bottled lime juice.

I really like the smell of this one. It's like a Belgian wit with a little more. In this case the little more is orange peel and lemon grass, both of which you can make out, vying for dominance with the wheat yeast esters and the coriander. It all marries together nicely.

The taste doesn't quite live up to the billing that the nose came up with. It does taste like a wit but without as much flavor. Despite being light in flavor it does manage a slight phenolic astringency which I'm guessing is coming off the lemongrass and coriander.

The mouthfeel is as light as the taste making this exceptionally drinkable and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2010 23:27:05 | More by Naugros

aerozeppl

New York

3.85/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

The first thing I will say is that the label art is simply awesome.

A: The color was very vibrant. It was super cloudy and white with some orange thrown in. Almost looked like some examples of gose I have seen but I have not seen many. A little less than half a finger of white head.

S: Super spicy. Tons of citrus and some lemongrass. Smelled like a thai dish in a lot of ways. A touch estery but it really was in check.

T: The taste was much like the nose. Lots of citrus and the lemongrass came across nicely. You get the corriander nicely that combines with the yeast to round it out.

M: Weird in a good way. heavier than I thought it would be. Sharp carbonation.

D: The only downside to this beer is the price. We got this in PA and split it with some friends down there. Good beer but unless it was a lot cheaper I would not go for it again. Refreshing summer drinker.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2010 22:27:56 | More by aerozeppl

IronCitySteve

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Wexford Ale House

A: Pours a hazy gold and orangish color. A thick white foam head with some spotty lacing.

S: A decent amount of wheat, clove, coriander and citrus.

T: The citrus flavor is more prevelant in the taste than in the smell. Blends nicely with the wheat and spices.

M: Clean and crisp taste on the palate.

D: This is an easy to drink Witbier, perfect for the hot summers.

Serving type: on-tap

10-08-2010 11:04:25 | More by IronCitySteve

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly hazed gold with a decent white head. Some lacing in spots.

Funky scents. A wit, with yeast and wheat, but a real grassy edge to this one. Little must and funk for good measure.

Sweet wheat, tart grass, lemon, coriander (big time), some peppered elements, light bitterness, a little husk-like, maybe some bee-pollen. Fairly clean finish. Lighter bodied, tastes like a good summer wit with a citric twist. Goes down ok. I know I'd enjoy this more in the summer. Still good and worth the try.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2010 23:32:17 | More by OtherShoe2

TommyW

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Hazy, yellow/gold with a medium, uniform, white head.

S- Lots of coriander and orange peel with a faint wheat twang.

T- Again, packs a nice dose of coriander and orange peel with the lemongrass peaking out as well. Some orange citrus is there but not much. Little bit of a wheat twang as well.

M- Medium body with a crisp finish and feel.

D- Sorry to say that I had this on a cold and rainy New England day; it would be much better on a hot summer day. That said, this is still a top witbeer in my mind.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2010 19:34:02 | More by TommyW

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.2/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a hazy pale golden hue with a bright white head, fine bubbled creamy textured head forms thick and leaves behind scattered lace. Aroma is so nice a full on assault of coriander citrus peels and lemongrass notes. Sharp bright wheat note as well it works together well, I really enjoy just smelling this stuff. Flavor wise this is an excellent witbier, it's rare to see any beer brewed this much to style. Other than the lemongrass there's not much stray from a typical wit and this is an excellent fresh version of one. Heavy on the coriander, for those sensitive to it this won't be your beer, but it's definitely a rounded coriander. It's complemented with orange peel bitterness and lemon grass herbal tones, soft wheat creamy character this is excellent stuff. Mouthfeel has sturdy but smooth carbonation creamy body carries itself well light to medium in girth. Clean spicy finish these spices don't sit on the palate the carbonation and citrus helps to clear the coriander. Drinkability overall is excellent a really drinkable version of a dead on American brewed witbier. I would get more but not for 10 to 12 bucks a 750ml bottle.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2010 01:14:34 | More by WVbeergeek

Richardberg

New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - poured into a chilled goblet. Bright straw-yellow, moderate layer of dense fizz around the rim, no lacing.

S - wheat, lemon zest, coriander, grass

T - pretty standard witbier flavor. Nothing to write home about, or worthy of the nifty dogfish artwork & exotic name on the bomber, either, TBH.

M - light body, not much fizz, decently oily for a 5% beer though

D - nice well made wit. Guess I was expecting something more...hoping, even, since wits are not really my thing...but in retrospect it's a pleasant, easy-drinking example of what craft brewing is all about, with no real flaws.

Now where did I put that triple imperial?

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2010 02:09:31 | More by Richardberg

BuxMontBeerLover

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this for the first time at the DFH Brewery's post-tour beer tasting.

A - Golden color, slightly hazy which I attribute to the style. Little to no head.

S - Nice citrusy smell, mix of orange and lemon with a slight clove/spicy smell.

T - Very nice taste of citrus and spicyness. Nothing is too overpowering.

M - Very light on the tongue. Being a DFH fan, this is the "smoothest" mouthfeel of any of their beers I've tried. Usually their beers are pretty aggressive which is more of my style.

D - Great drinkability. Super light, easily could down a bunch of these due to the low ABV (5%) and the overall lightness of the style. I bought a bottle after tasting since my fiance (who isn't a real beer drinker let alone a hoppy IPA DFH drinker) really loved this beer. An overall good beer for its style....Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2010 18:45:00 | More by BuxMontBeerLover

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I had this on tap at Al's of Hampden -served chilled in a tulip.

A - A sunny golden yellow like lemonade w/ slight hazy appearance and thick inch of bone white cap. The beading is tiny and lacing is think and clings in a ring

S - The smell is better than I imagined w/ floral, tropical and citrus elments represented. There is a light herbal-lemongrass aroma which compliments the yeast and also a mild mango/passionfruit scent is there w/ slight pepper tinge

M - The feel is very lively in a good way w/ high carbonation and spritzy effect on the palate w/ mild citrus tang and mild yeasty spice tinges w/ very dry finish which refreshes the palate w/ each sip

T - I was please with the flavor -a taste that is light and tropical w/ slight tinge of lemongrass and herbal complement to the yeast flavor. The wit has a nice light citrus sweetness and subtle dry spice element w/ mild toasted malt flavor. The beer blends all the flavors in a way that is better combined than each individual flavor on its own. I enjoyed the citrus rind flavor combined with the dry finish

D -A beer I consider to be pure refreshment- I was surprised by this but happy w/ how good it was. I could enjoy this for hours and it is clean and refreshing w/out sacrificing flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2010 14:09:18 | More by Slatetank

thebrood1987

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Smells exactly like how I would think Lemongrass smells... it also has that orange and witbier type smell to it. It also has a nice straw like hazy appearance with some sediment in it as the rest of the bottle is poured into the glass. The taste is awesome with that lemon taste and that smooth orange taste that gets bitter at the end of the sip. The bitterness is different than you'd find in most beers because of the orange taste melding together with the lemon taste. The bitterness is like licking the inside skin of an orange I like it. Also has a nice dry wheat backing to finish everything off. Excellent beer... and I was surprised to see the low alcohol content on the bottle making the drinkability awesome. Great summer beer that I hope they keep making. Not to mention I love the name Namaste because its a spiritual word meaning soul. Great name and a great beer especially for a witbier. The best witbier I've tasted hands down!

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2010 22:26:18 | More by thebrood1987

Daktyls

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a nice golden amber with a bit of haze to it. Immediately after the pour you can see a steady stream of bubbles rising to the top which slows as the beer sits. Poured a nice foamy head about 1 finger high which slowly dissipates leaving a nice lacing on the side of the glass

S: Lemongrass and slight citrus is definitely apparent in the first whiff. Some coriander is present along with a distinct witbier wheatiness.

T: Distinctly wheaty followed by tastes of lemon, citrus and an herbal taste that lingers for a while before being replaced by a pleasant citrus-y aftertaste.

M: A nice light bodied beer with a light amount of carbonation that suites the style, and this beer specifically, quite well.

D: Very drinkable, while it isn't one of my most favorite beers, I would probably have another if the other beers available were less desirable.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2010 21:48:16 | More by Daktyls

Jayli

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750 mL bottle poured in to a pint glass

A: This beer pours a hazy straw color yellow with a two finger of bone white head. Head retains nicely, fading to a film that retains throughout and leaves some spots of swirl lacing.

S: Nose is very heavy on wheat at the forefront, orange, and lemon grass.

T: Taste starts with a big dose of lemon grass mingled with flavoring of orange peel. Wheat and yeast take over the middle. Finish has the lemon grass flavoring with perhaps a hint of grapefruit moving in again with a peppery, coriander finish.

M: Medium body, medium carbonation, creamy mouth feel that stays coated on the tongue.

D: Goes down easily, nicely balanced, mild kick, nice representation of style. I really enjoy this beer - a little too heavy for summer drinking but on a nice early autumn night, this is really refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2010 01:32:25 | More by Jayli

mdfb79

New York

3.98/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 09/18/10 notes.

a - Pours a murky, bright golden color with one finger of fluffy white head and low carbonation evident.

s - Smells of orange, lemon, citrus fruit, wheat, and spices.

t - Tastes of lemon, wheat, spices, orange peel, and light fruity malts.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation.

d - A pretty good witbier. Lots of oranges and lemon in the smell and taste. Would definitely try again.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2010 00:34:36 | More by mdfb79

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.15/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I guess this is one of their MANY summer seasonals. I split this one with my wife:

A: Very light, almost peach colored, cloudy, with about a 1 inch head. Very appropriate for the style.

S: Coriander first, then lemon, orange, and with a hint of pepper. I also detected a very faint grassy sort of aroma.

T: Earthy with a capital "E!" This really didn't even taste like an alcoholic beverage at all, and all of the blended ingredients really work! The coriander really keeps the citrus in check and keeps it from being too "hot."

M: Bubbly, champagne-like, and with a very frothy lacing. Also, the head never subsided throughout the entire session.

D: I really admire the understated nature of this brew. Lots of ingredients are listed, and on the first taste, I was initially let down. After a few more sips, study, and contemplation, the brewers' intention started to hit me in a revelatory way. A great summer Witbier.

My wife hated it of course....just like she does most beer. Oh well....

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2010 01:43:55 | More by Chaney

hdofu

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a pretty good witbier, that being said appearance and smell aside this beer is nothing extrordinary. The beer pours cloudy gold with a thin off white head. The beer smells intensely of itrus praticularly orange and lemon. The taste is strong of the fruits and coriander, with a wheaty finish. Hals light carbonation, and given the brewer overall it seems light. A perfect sipper for the summer though

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2010 00:17:29 | More by hdofu

drabmuh

Maryland

4.35/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into my DFH signature glass. Beer is yellow and hazy white with a soft thick head of tiny bubbles that leaves a lot of lacing on the glass. Carbonation is moderate and steady. It looks great.

Citrusy and bright in the nose. Smells good. Almost hoppy,

Beer is creamy and medium bodied overall. Its nice and clean, bright and citrusy, both my wife and I completely enjoyed this beer. Very excellent.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2010 01:14:01 | More by drabmuh

lstokes

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap in Rehoboth. I'm not usually a big Wit person but this was a fruity and mellow take on the style.

It's pale straw colored, not as hazy or golden as it should be, and the nose is also something of a disappointment, as it's a weak clove and not much else. It picks up citrus flavors (the dried orange is prominent and delicious) and a tangy wheat background in the taste, without really delivering on the spice until the finish, and then it's coriander, not so much cloves. Very light, low-carbonation body--I wasn't in love with this beer, but it's a good refreshing Wit and I'm glad I was able to try it while it was still out.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

09-03-2010 04:13:14 | More by lstokes

drseamus

New York

3.43/5  rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served on tap at the Gaithersburg alehouse.

A: Cloudy pale straw colored body, no head. Served in a sniffer.

S: Pretty tight nose. Light spice.

T: Pretty light by any standard which is extremely light by DFH standards. Kind of like a good version of a macro wheat.

M: Very wheaty. Low carbonation.

D: Disappointing for DFH. Decent by other standards.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-28-2010 01:34:09 | More by drseamus

mzrebiec

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The beer poured a super murky yellowish/light orange. Head was about a half inch and disipates into a thin layer ontop of the beer. The nose is minimal with hints of earthy hay and some lemony scents as well. The beers flavor is well balanced with a good bit of citrus, coriander, and a light belgian yeast spicyness. Medium body that is quite drinkable. not what I expected from DFH, but not a bad beer. Might get another bottle to enjoy some other summer day.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-27-2010 22:00:55 | More by mzrebiec

larryi86

Delaware

4.47/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

750 mL bottle poured into a snifter

A- A hazy yellow with and one finger white head.

S- The yeast really stands out right away, with hints of orange peels and lemongrass.

T- Well balanced, hints of the yeast and spices, almost reminds me of a Saison, nice malt backbone, and a refreshing, slightly tart orange orange finish.

M- Light body that fits the taste, smooth, crisp, and refreshing.

D- Very easy to drink whole bottle in one sitting, maybe even 2 or 3, and great for summer. A very nice surprise from DFH being only 5% ABV, since I feel that most of the beers under 6% are not as good as their stronger beers. I would love to see this made more often, maybe even replace Festina Pêche as the summer seasonal. I will be heading back to the liquor store tomorrow to stock up as much as I can.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-27-2010 00:12:55 | More by larryi86

claspada

New Jersey

3.8/5  rDev -1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured a nice golden color, a bit hazy with a white head that did not last long at all; not a lot of lacing either. Very off for the style but typical of Dogfish Head beers.

The aroma on this beer is great, however, you know it is a Belgian White. The yeast, orange peel, and lemongrass are all pretty evident and are combined superbly.

Taste follows the nose, which is great. There is a nice mix of orange and lemon along with some yeast/wheat. It has a perfect sweetness to it.

Adequate carbonation. Was easy to drink and very refreshing, a great summer beer. Will have to go back and pick up another bottle or two before they run out.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-24-2010 19:54:45 | More by claspada

kels

Virginia

4.53/5  rDev +18%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours beautifully. It is a great shade of toasted straw, quite cloudy, with a decently visible amount of carbonation. The initial white foamy head fades from 3 lofty fingers to a well-retained 1 1/2-finger skim. Loads of lace pillows against the sides of the glass.

Smell has great cracked, toasted grain presence and a hint of tart citrus. Not much more, but not much more needed.

Very tasty and refreshing witbier. The grains, spices and hops are blended together in the nicest balance. The grain is deliciously toasty with the slightest heartiness to it. The orange provides both sweetness and bitterness and the lemongrass adds a bit of delicate earthiness. The feel is both bright and refreshing while at the same time being creamy and mouthfilling. Finish is clean and dry with just a bit of sediment laying on the tongue.

Absolutely delicious and highly drinkable beer. Great for any season, but especially perfect now.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-21-2010 23:39:30 | More by kels

yourefragile

District of Columbia

3.25/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 4

750 mL bottle poured into a Brewer's Art chalice.

Pours a hazed pale golden color with a nice long lasting white head and little lacing. Aroma is very mild, slightly tangy and citrusy with some lemon and fresh cut grass. Flavor starts off initially extremely tangy, exacerbated by overly active carbonation. Middle of the body has some more typical wit characteristics before a strong peppery and lemon grass finish. Mouthfeel is fluffy and medium thick, initially dominated by over active carbonation which distracts from whatever is going on with the flavors. The finish is a little more spicy and peppery than I like and doesn't seem well integrated with the rest of the flavors. A nice, refreshing beer, but not particularly well balanced or pleasing; this is a definite pass for me.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-21-2010 19:57:32 | More by yourefragile

geryeb624

Maryland

4.2/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured from a 750 mL bottle into a pint glass.

A- Pours a foggy straw yellow color with bubbly white head, about 2-3 fingers worth.

S- Coriander and spicy Belgian yeast aromas dominate the nose, with some bright fruitiness in the background.

T- Crisp, clean witbier flavor. Spicy and fruity with a wheaty twang at the end. Very little bitterness, with spice and fruit dominating the flavor profile.

M- Smooth and creamy. Not overly carbonated, and rather rich on the tongue.

D- Off the charts, very refreshing wheat beer.

I must say given its status as a Dogfish Head specialty beer I was expecting something a bit more outrageous, but was pleasantly surprised to find a nice, refreshing, balanced witbier. Good for the summer months, though maybe not worth the $9 a bottle. Wouldn't mind seeing this in 6-packs in the future though.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-17-2010 01:01:47 | More by geryeb624

tempest

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I split a large bottle at Little Ortino's in Schwencksville, PA. The beer poured a hazy light gold with a soft white head. The mix of subtle spice dominates the flavor (not in a bad way) while there's a smooth Belgian wheat background. The individual spices don't stand out so much as just melt together from the orange peel, to the coriander, then lemongrass. All in all a tasty beer, near the top of the style.

Serving type: bottle
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

08-02-2010 02:29:49 | More by tempest