Namaste - Dogfish Head Brewery

Retail1LO

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Another EXCEPTIONAL offering from DFH. Had this in a pint glass served out of one of DFH's large format bottles. This poured a very very light color, with a voluminous head, remniscent of pilsner. This was light in color and body, crisp, and an absolutely refreshing beer for a 104 degree day. This is the kinda beer you can slug. No need to nurse this one. I have another bottle I can't wait to lay into. I'll definitely be getting more.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2011 21:10:07 | More by Retail1LO

shand

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 24oz bottle into a wheat beer glass.

This one pours an obviously unfiltered cloudy yellow color with some huge chunks of sediment in it. The head is as prodigious as I'd expect from the style, with great retention and lacing. The aroma is also great, it's heavy on coriander, citrus, lemongrass, and a bit of a hop presence I wasn't expecting. The taste is also very good, probably the best witbier I've had. The coriander really shines, working well with the citrus and lemongrass to make a super-cool and very refreshing brew. There's a bit of wheat and a nice herbal hop aspect here too.

The mouthfeel is very good, it goes down very smoothly and easily. The drinkability is off-the-charts. I'd drink this all day every day if it were released in six-packs. As it stands now, it's too pricey for anything but an occasional treat. But what a treat it is! I hesitated when I was bringing this one up to the counter. "Ten bucks for a style (at a low ABV) I don't usually love? What am I doing?" Turns out the gamble was worth it, this is a delicious brew absolutely worthy of attention.

Serving type: bottle

06-13-2011 00:31:56 | More by shand

larryi86

Delaware

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
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

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

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle stamped - Bottled in 2011

Was enjoying some craft beer with folks dipping their toes into the water for the first time. Decided we should start with this beer as it was lighter in body and flavor with some interesting flavors. They really enjoyed the beer and it set up some nice additional tastings for us. I really enjoyed this as well. Nice beer.

There was a pillowy white head that formed atop this slightly hazy straw/gold colored beer. A very nice amount of lacing clings in the glass.

Aroma was fantastic. The ingredients listed on the bottle were all present. There was a bright fresh feel to this that I really loved. Bright orange peel with the oils present... The lemon grass and a touch of spice.

As much as I loved the aroma, I enjoyed the flavor even more. This really hit the spot and was quite refreshing. The light malt flavor provided a base from which all of the complexity sprang. The lemon grass and orange peel popped and mixed with some subtle yeasty notes and a touch of spice. Light bread flavors just below the surface anchor all of these components.

Bright, fresh, refreshing. I will definitely be grabbing another bottle of this beer.

Well done.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2011 09:28:54 | More by Reagan1984

tjsdomer2

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
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

ArrogantDeadGuy

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a hazy yellow with a brief but sudsy head that leaves little evidence that it had ever been there. Great flavors of the advertised orange, coriander, and lemon grass. Distinct notes of each throughout. Low alcohol and medium body makes this a very drinkable beer though the lemony after-taste can get a bit tiresome.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2010 02:19:01 | More by ArrogantDeadGuy

TexIndy

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750ml bottle into a pint glass. Bottled in 2010 2A lasered onto the neck. Was a summer release but should still be good. Was a hazy pale gold color with lots of carb streams. Had a good sized head that settled into a collar. Good amount of slow sliding lace. Good all around for a wit.

The aroma was heavy on the orange and lemongrass with a good dose of coriander as well. Good solid aroma that I'm was even better when fresh. Taste followed the aroma with the citric leading the way but cut with good spice and wheat. Goes down very smooth. Mouthfeel was light to medium with good crisp carbonation. Slightly watery aftertaste though.

Overall, a solid wit that ranks near the top for me. Nice strong aroma and bite in the taste to keep it interesting. Wish this one was available more often and near me. Not avail here in TX so shipped back from my Dayton trip. Rotation - if here and in 12oz bottles would be a heavy player in my wit/wheat rotation. Even in large format, I'd still get plenty. [R;Y]

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2010 02:48:45 | More by TexIndy

thespaceman

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Bottled in 2010

Poured from a 750ml bottle into a Dogfish Head signature glass

Appearance: Pours a beautiful straw yellow in color, unfiltered, so this beer shows off extreme amounts of cloudiness and haze. Beautiful two finger head rises and stays with the beer, good head retention with plenty of sticky lace left behind.

Smell: Aw man this smells good! First I get that beautiful coriander smell, it's sweet and inviting, and right in the middle of enjoying the roses I got smacked with a huge dose of lemon zest, some clementine and some earth notes. This one is soft on the nostrils yet every single element is perfectly found when taking a nice deep whiff.

Taste: The coriander plays a huge role up front, it's spicy yet not too overpowering, leading into some beautiful citrus flavors. The light lemon flavor really softens out the spiciness from the coriander, with a small tinge of malt spice adding in a nice softness. I definetley get the dried oranges towards the finish here, they are suttle yet blend nicely with the spice notes. Finish consists of a small dose of toasted malt to really set the overall tone of this beer.

Mouthfeel: Sharp in the mouth, carbonation is spot on for a Wit, without becoming overly cloying or dry in the mouth. A small tinge of bitterness here and a well rounded body from the malt leaves just the right impression on the tongue.

Drinkability: I really wish I could get this beer in six pack form, this would be my new go-to lawnmower beer for sure! Nothing is overdone. The citrus elements are tactful and well executed, the spice from the coriander is subtle and not too sharp, and the malts used to brew this beer provide just enough depth to make this a interesting beer to sip. At 5.0% ABV, this is a more approachable Dogfish Head concoction as it goes down like a charm. Bravo to Sam and everybody down in coastal Deleware!

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 02:13:42 | More by thespaceman

trelihan462

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A - Pours a very pale, hazy, light yellow color with a white, one-finger head that doesn't stick around for long. There's a whole lot of carbonation bubbles and yeast particles floating around.

S - The orange in this beer is definitely right up front, with hints of lemon and other citrus aromas. Smells like most other whites I've had, maybe a little sweeter.

T - A very sweet, slightly spicy beer with lots of orange and lemon and a little bitterness on the finish.

M - The beer is super light, very crisp, and smooth with a pretty high level of carbonation.

D - This would definitely be one of my top picks for a great summer beer, and one of the better witbiers I've had. I could drink this all day.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 03:53:05 | More by trelihan462

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on-tap at MiKro Beer Bar in Hamden, Conn.

A: Cloudy, pale, golden yellow with a thin, creamy head of white foam. Left very nice lacing and carbonation was barely visible amongst the clouded haze.

S: Lemongrass, white pepper, coriander, orange peel and flowers. A very light, pleasing citrus and spice aroma.

T: Light, fruity and floral malt and citrus notes brush the palate at first, imparting hints of toasted bread, tangerine and lemon pepper. Slightly milky and lactic sweetness blends with tart and spicy flavors to build to a mildly bitter and acidic, light, peppery finish.

M: Light-medium bodied mouthfeel with some chewy proteins, yeast and lactic enzymes, but slightly tart and acidic on the palate.

D: A very nicely crafted and highly drinkable witbier from DFH; perfect for the impending warmth of early spring. I'd love to pair it with a lemon-broiled monkfish or light, nutty cheese.

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2011 21:04:13 | More by Gambrinus1184

Gavage

New Jersey

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Appearance: pours a hazy pale yellow color with a big 3" fluffy head that lasts a long time. Nice lace paints the glass.

Smell: coriander and wheat are easy to detect with some lemon citrus in the background.

Taste: wheat flavors are nice balanced with spices such as coriander, white pepper, and clove. Lemongrass is also detectable with a bit of an orange citrus flavor at the finish. Bitterness is mild.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied. Crisp from start to finish with some dryness arriving late.

Overall: this is a very quaffable beer and at the 5% ABV level, a bunch of glasses can easily be consumed in a session. Well balanced and nicely flavored, this one will have you looking for some more when the glass is empty.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2011 15:41:00 | More by Gavage

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served to me on tap.
A. Milky-opaque straw yellow. Tons of foamy head that refused to die back.
S. Heavily raunchy - The first impression is wet funky and musty barnyard hay that some farmer has thrown handfuls of lemongrass into as an odor-eater. The second impression reveals the coriander power chord over citrus base and bizarre ammonia-family smells as from a good limburger cheese or leaking out of the corners of your closed diaper disposal basket. Overall, smells like a properly disgusting runny-gooey fancy cheese on top of a pale wheat malt and lemon foundation. Luckily, I enjoy that sort of thing.
T. The coriander makes me think of middle eastern food, the lemongrass brings to mind Thai cold dishes. Just like most of the fancy runny cheeses I have tried, what smells terrible on the nose is muted or completely absent on the palate. The raunchy odors don't have a taste equivalent at all. In fact the taste is remarkably light and floral. Lemony fresh. Although, if one lets it sit in the mouth for too long, there becomes a faint aftertaste of boiled carrots. How odd.
M. It is really super effervescent for me. Almost too bubbly, distractingly so. Not a "chewy" beer but rather sessionable.

The closest thing I have smelled to the strange funk of this beer has only been present in some Saisons and that one time I tried Lindemans Faro. As the type of person who seeks out the strange and unusual freak beers, I heartily endorse this oddity. :)

Serving type: on-tap

05-21-2011 20:52:13 | More by WastingFreetime

smakawhat

Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a wheat ale glass. Bottling code 2011-1C.

A cloudy dull but orb glowing like lemon color with a super frothy white whip cream shampoo like bubbles. It's like a valley in there. Looks great.

Bouquet just great. Dry clove, orange zest, hints of citrus lemon. Some creamy sweetness like a creamsicle. Just wonderful. I don't seem to pick out coriander on Witbier as per usual but this still smells wonderful. Refreshing and a sense of crispness to come.

Taste is like a muted orange juice and wheat shake. Grainy finish with a refreshing orange zest and spice. Slight wetness in the palate in the mouthfeel, no prickly serious carbonation or gaseous feelings.

Overall a killer summer refresher, and a great witbier one of my favorites.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2011 02:00:03 | More by smakawhat

thebrood1987

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
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

abuliarose

New Hampshire

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
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

mntlover

Tennessee

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a pale yellow color hints toward golden lightly cloudy, decent size white head falls to ring and laces well.

Aroma is nice yeasty wheat notes dominating, nice orange notes with light coriander spice. Some grassy notes hops or lemon grass I guess, spot on for the style, very pleasant and inviting.

Taste is like the aroma and just like you would expect. Nice yeasty notes on wheat malts some orange notes pop up but more lemony then orange. Nice coriander spice in the finish with grassy notes and nice dose of earthy yeast. Not sure if I am enjoying this because its been while since I have had this style or its just plain good.

Mouthfeel is nice lightly peppy carbonation that goes well with this brew. Mouthfeel is light side like it should be.

Drinkability is very good, only draw back would be price. DFH and me have love hate relationship some things they do are great some are wtf were they thinking. This is defiantly very well done and I'm loving it.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2010 19:01:14 | More by mntlover

aasher

Indiana

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The Namaste pours a dark straw yellow on the verge of light orange with a very light white head that circles the glass. It's definitely light but does have moderate cloudiness. The smell is superb. It features coriander, orange peel, barnyard funkiness, and subtle sweetness. The flavor is good as satisfying. It's got excellent coriander and orange accents and has an orange like sweetness. The yeastiness is well contained and this beer drinks very well. It just doesn't have the same mouthfeel, same smoothness that is typical of DFH 750s, then again it is a much lighter beer. This beer is delicious and is an excellent wheat.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2010 05:05:08 | More by aasher

BranfordBound

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Walking around some hole in the wall packy near UConn I stumbled upon this bottle, lo and behold it's a 2011. Score!

750 mL dated 2011-1C into a Dogfish Head shaped pint.

Pours a dark golden color with a fluffy two finger white head. Leaves some lacing behind, fairly carbonated.

Smells of spices and wheat, but with some fruit to make it just a slight variation on the classic witbier.

Pretty much following the nose, the light wheat, witbier spices round off the usual, but the orange and lemongrass add to it. Slight fruitness and herbal qualities in the end which add to the refreshing factor.

Heavy side of light bodied, slightly wet.

Super drinkable, the back label says it's a "summer kind of thing, namaste." They're right, get one now and save it for the warm weather, it's a perfect compliment to it.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2011 21:41:17 | More by BranfordBound

stercomm

Ohio

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750ml bottle.

A - Cloudy straw in color, very frothy white head that dissipated quickly leaving very slight lacing on the sides.

S - Lots going on here, get lemon, orange, almost a bubble gum like scent

T - The lemon seems to dominate over the orange and coriander. Very well balanced and refreshing beer, this will be a good one for hot summer days.

M - Mild with a medium carbonation

D - A good expression of a Witbier, very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2011 21:01:09 | More by stercomm

ummswimmin

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I picked up this bottle awhile ago, and I was worried about oxidization... but the beer didn't oxidize. I'm not advocating a cellaring of this beer, but don't throw it our for age.

This isn't the most attractive beer. There are lots of inclusions. Almost like snow in my glass. There wasn't much head on top, and there isn't any lacing.

The beer smells great. It is refreshing with the orange and lemon coming off the top. I didn't catch the coriander in the bouquet, but the wit-beer yeastiness is also there.

This tastes and feels great in my mouth... I pick up the coriander when I pull air across it. The orange and lemongrass merge nicely with each taste; neither is overwhelming. This is a very good tasting beer. Thank you, Sam.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2011 22:18:02 | More by ummswimmin

buyBinboaVodka

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 ML bottle

A - Pours a cloudy yellow with a hint of orange hue to it. The huge white bubbly head slowly fades away leaving a minmal lacing around the glass.

S - Yeasty, bready, sweet fruits, lemon zest aroma. A very simple smelling beer, not a whole lot going on.

T - I get a nice refreshing lemon and orange zest with a clove like presence in the middle and a faint lemon bread finish. The combination of flavors is so simple but woven togther to form a flavor profile that feels complex.

M - moderatly carbonated with a crisp clean finish that leaves a nice spicy citrus flavor on the palete.

O - I'm kicking myself for not having this beer sooner. In fact, I plan on buying about 10 more. At 5% ABV, this could be a great session beer for these above 90 degree days we have getting latley.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2011 15:40:51 | More by buyBinboaVodka

BZero007

Virginia

4.4/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked up bottle from Norm's Beer and Wine.

This has to be one of my favorite releases this year. The beer is a light brew with a wonderfull birght gold color to it. The head forms perfectly with out any help and leaves lacing down the glass. The aroma in the brew was of a spice and fruit background to me with some earthy tones. THe taste was a light crisp and packed with flavor. Mouthfeel was perfect and not to carbonated and the light ABV% makes this beer my session beer of the year. Love it and keep it stocked in the fridge when ever I see it.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 19:15:56 | More by BZero007

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.4/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a cloudy pale orange amber. Thin fine white head with little lacing. Aroma is sweet, wheaty with a hint of spice. Taste is light wheat, citrus and multiple spices. A distinct floral taste/aroma; almost too much, but works out fine. My first reaction was "whoa, this is different!". Medium bodied. This is a quite original, light wheat beer that is very refreshing. I'm impressed and will get this every time it is released. Great label too. An unusual white particulate residue at the bottom of the glass.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2012 03:33:31 | More by LiquidAmber

Kolsch

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750 ml bottle. I have had this on draft as well so it is nice to compare the two.

Appearance: Cloudy, and very wit looking ale. Nice head formed, that did linger well into the drink

Smell: strong lemon, orange and the un-mistaken DFH smell of hops.

Taste: starts off with the orange peel, then the lemongrass kicks in, definitely can detect the lemongrass. Slight tartness with a sweetness that settles and reigns in the slight sour. More Citris than anything and I could not really detect the coriander as much as the orange and lemongrass. An excellent example of the Wit style.

Overall: I would almost say this borders closely to a saison as far as taste and texture. I had the opportunity to have this on tap and much prefer the bottle. You get more of the nuances from the bottle conditioning. This should be in the regular DFH rotation.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2010 16:38:02 | More by Kolsch

CHADMC3

Connecticut

4.38/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a hazy golden yellow body with an enormous cloud of feather-white head that is at least a few fingers deep and packed with dense bubbles of carbonation and patiently dissolves to leave quite the sticky lacing behind.

Generous aromas of lemon, coriander, grass, and yeast leap from the glass. There are also subtle notes of various other spices in the background.

Wow, the coriander and lemongrass are quite generous on the palate with hints of the citrus orange showing up as well. The flavor is quite impressive because the characteristics or so distinct, yet well proportioned.

This is one of the cleanest, crispest beers I have had in a while with a light body and generous carbonation.

If more witbiers were similar to Namaste, I would probably drink the style more often. This is a great beer with much to offer the senses.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2011 22:30:35 | More by CHADMC3