Namaste - Dogfish Head Brewery

tjsdomer2

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Excellent crystalline foam covering a fairly thick/immobile yellow wheat beer. Most of this is due to the cloudiness, however I have definitely seen cloudier beers so this falls in the middle of the pack for cloudy wheat beers.

Smell: Excellent smell. Lemongrass (as promised), and lots of it. A nice herbal waft as well. The relative lack of malt is my only complaint, but that's being picky. Overall, I love the subtly of the smell here.

Taste/Mouthfeel: More lemongrass. Almost tastes a bit like chamomile as well. That would explain the herbal part in the smell. Pretty good mouthfeel, maybe a tad bit watery, but again, the low-key nature of this beer lends itself to a thinner beer.

Drinkability: Awesome relaxation comes with this one.

Overall: A good beer to kick back and read a book with.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2010 02:19:11 | More by tjsdomer2

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

The label definately catches the eye thats for sure. Between the name and nice picture I picked this dogfish head up immediately. Sadly, wasnt really a fan. This was poured into a pint glass.

A - Pours a glorious light straw that almost seems to radiate with a yellow hue, complete with little bubbles coming up from the bottom. The head though is where this wit is really, really lacking. Starts off with a nice one finger head that quickly disappeared leaving a slight white halo. Very disappointing for a witbier.

S - While I'm not a fan of it, I have to give this high marks based on the fact that this DOES smell of corriander and lemongrass. Right after that initial yeasty wit aroma.

T - Upfront, I get some nice mild wheat and an almost bitter orange rind taste. Right after that theres an herbal flavour that is distinctly a combination of well, corriander and lemongrass. While the flavours are what Dogfish Head promised, it just really isnt making for an enjoyable beer for me.

M - For the amount of carbonation in this I was expecting something ALOT more crisp and refreshing. Just kinda sits in the mouth, almost watery.

D - Its a good beer, if the flavour combination is yout thing. For me it just didnt work. Maybe paired with the right food it would pop a little better. The flavour is spot on, but that mouthfeel is just far too thin.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2010 05:42:34 | More by rudzud

nickd717

California

3.78/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle as a trade extra.

Nice appearance that is more or less what you want for a Belgian-style witbier. Cloudy golden-straw color with a one-finger white head and good lacing.

The aroma is pretty nice, with wheat, lemon, orange peel, and coriander. Big on the citrus fruits.

The flavor is also rather citrusy and spicy, yet not as in-your-face as a lot of other Dogfish Head beers. Wheaty with orange and lemon, with slight sweetness.

Fairly dry on the palate with medium body and a medium-high carbonation.

A solid beer overall. I don't get the hate for it.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2010 04:29:02 | More by nickd717

Thorpe429

Illinois

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

Reviewed from notes.

Poured into a tulip. The body is a hazy yellow-golden color with a white head and some pretty good lacing. The nose is nice with some light citrus notes--mostly orange and lemon. A bit of grain as well. The flavor is pretty nice though a bit one-dimensional with citrus. Good, light body and nice carbonation. Drinks quite well and is a nice hot-weather brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2010 00:53:10 | More by Thorpe429

vette2006c5r

Wisconsin

3.65/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 5

This beer pours a hazy yellow with a little head that did last. Overall this beer kinds stinks, smells strongly of wheat and lemon. Has a nice complex taste alot of wheat flavors, strong orange and lemon flavors. A light flavor, but very easy to drink. Overall a complex and very good wheat beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2010 20:27:58 | More by vette2006c5r

WeisGuy

New York

3.23/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

750ml bottles shared by Ari - thanks!

Pours a slightly hazy, bright golden color with a one-finger white head. Head retention is light and lacing is minimal. The aroma is dominated by lemongrass and coriander. You also can pick out some yeastiness and a little orange peel if you search for it. As with the aroma, the taste is almost entirely lemongrass and coriander with ligher hints of orange and yeast and virtually no alcohol noticeable. It's a fairly clean taste, but I'd really like to taste the base beer more and the adjuncts less. The body is a bit light on this one with moderate carbonation and no alcohol warming. Not overly drinkable because of the dominance of the lemongrass and coriander and the relative lack of complexity. It doesn't help either that I'm not a huge fan of witbiers. This one is probably not worth the pricetag unless you really love lemongrass and coriander.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2010 18:06:24 | More by WeisGuy

womencantsail

California

3.08/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to Jason for this one.

A: The pour is a cloudy pale orange color with some yellow/gold notes and a thin white head.

S: A big herbal aroma that is also sort of meaty. Some woody lemongrass and a strong coriander note. The malt aroma is primarily of wheat and is fairly bready.

T: A lot more bitter than I would have expected and there is a mild astringency. Lots of lemongrass and orange rind are present with only a mild wheat flavor. Not all that sweet and somewhat watery.

M: The body is medium (or there abouts) and the carbonation is medium to high.

D: I guess I just don't "get" most of these Dogfish Head beers. I think the ideas are generally cool/interesting, but I don't always find they translate well in application.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2010 20:52:48 | More by womencantsail

maximum12

Minnesota

3.75/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks both beerlocos for this, amongst other treats, sent during the excellent Anniversary BIF. Came with a pair of stylin' DFH glasses, too. Split the big bomber with my wife.

Pours is fizzy, flippant yellow. All you have to do is look at it cross-ways for it to develop a new white cap. Lemongrass stalks the nose - I just brought home one of those little hotel bottles of lemongrass lotion because I liked the smell so much - along with waves of wheeat. There's a touch of something less pleasant, almost like burned rubber, that begins to emerge as it warms & knocks down the good smell a bit.

Namaste is a good twist on a style that's pretty ho-hum to me. Pairs really well with pepperoni pizza, for what that's worth. Otherwise, plenty of spiciness to this one; lemongrass again, citrus, tons of wheat, fainter tang of orange. A touch yeasty on the end. Ridiculously easy to drink.

Good beer that brings a bit of welcome innovation to the style. This could be a one-session bomber.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2010 00:12:08 | More by maximum12

sisuspeed

New Hampshire

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

Poured into an Ommegang tulip. A thin, white, foamy head sits on top of a cloudy peach juice body. Almost no lacing.

Lots of juicy orange, a hint of coriander and a nice balanced helping of lemongrass. Floral and fruity. I really like the way this smells.

The flavor is malty, slightly lactic with orange and wheat. Some coriander, but it takes a back seat, which I like. The lemongrass adds a touch of acidity and tartness.

Mouthfeel is somewhat malty, yet crisp and refreshing on the finish. Carbonation is about spot on.

Drinkability is great. I really hope DFH brings this one back next summer. A perfect, refreshing summer afternoon beer. Quaffable and tasty. Not extreme like most of DFH's beers, but very well done. Worth picking up if you're looking for a balanced, tasty, easy drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 22:59:56 | More by sisuspeed

abuliarose

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into a goblet, revealing light and cloudy yellow body under a little bit of white, lively head. Lots of bubbles. Looking decent. Smells wheaty and fruity with a nice lemongrass presence. Very refreshing smelling. The slight spice from the coriander comes through and the orange citrus evokes the smell of hops.

Tastes light, wheaty and a little like a lemongrass tisane but with a nice complexity highlighted by the slight bitterness and fresh orange citrus. Mouthfeel is pleasant with a smooth but almost medium body and volume-adding carbonation that rapidly disappears on the tongue with only a slight tickle. Very, very drinkable. Glad it comes in a large bottle.

Overall I am very impressed with this offering. A unique take on a witbier, but they do a good job.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 22:56:25 | More by abuliarose

largadeer

Kentucky

2.55/5  rDev -33.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Thanks, Andrew. A cloudy straw body is topped by a small white head that drops to a thin collar. Smells like herbal tea and wheat bread. Lemongrass and coriander both come through very very strongly. The adjuncts are overpowering, as usual with DFH. Tastes of watery herbal tea, white bread, white pepper and strong coriander. Spices linger on the tongue in the finish. Not necessarily awful, but not good - it's over spiced yet somewhat watery.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2010 09:04:39 | More by largadeer

gford217

Georgia

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

Pours a hazy yellow with a fizzy white head fed by a steady stream of bubbles from the bottom.

Aroma is spicy with corainder and definitely has some orange peel in it. There is light lemony aroma as well as the underlying Belgian sweetness.

The taste is sweeter than the aroma and the fruity esters, bananas especially, come out a little more than in the aroma. The lemongrass is still prominent and the finish is spicy with coriander and white pepper.

The mouthfeel is effervescent with lots of carbonation and on the lighter side in terms of body.

A very good wit and very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2010 23:36:26 | More by gford217

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