Namaste - Dogfish Head Brewery

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

08-02-2010 02:29:49 | More by tempest

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

jdhilt

New Hampshire

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

Pours a five+ finger white head that fades slowly leaving some lace. Hazy straw color. Strong carbonation and light-medium bodied. Orange and lemon grass nose and flavor is orange, lemon grass some tartness. Good Summer drink. $10.99 for a 750ml bottle from Julio's Liquors Westborough, Ma.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2012 22:42:55 | More by jdhilt

rhoadsrage

Illinois

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

(Served in a stemmed strange)
bottles 2011 1074
A- The slightly hazy lemon-yellow body grows hazier with each pour and starts to lean toward an orange hue. There is matrix of microbubbles that support a creamy sticky white head that hangs in sheets to the glass as I sip.
S- The dried lemon and orange peel notes are soft but full and are supported by a rustic white bread character in the background.
T- There is a nice dried orange taste with some lemon grass notes that come through as the beer opens. There is a good wheat flavor to follow with a finish of soft dry green hops that snaps with a dry spice hint in the finish.
M- the medium-light mouthfeel has a flat texture on the tongue but a fizz prick in the finish.
O- The subtle herbal qualities of lemon, orange and lemongrass have a nice bready support with little yeast characteristic and just a touch of spice note but that is fine. It paired well with a mild Fontina.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2011 21:10:28 | More by rhoadsrage

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

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750ml bottle purchased as a single somewhere localish.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/4" off-white head over the slightly cloudy golden brew. Head fades pretty quick with audible bubble bursts, with lasting lacing. Aroma is lemongrass and earthy hops.

Taste begins moderately sweet coupled with lemongrass again, moderately tart in the middle, and closes with light earthy bitterness. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is excellent. Very refreshing and thirst-quenching brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2010 22:25:58 | More by ppoitras

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy dark golden yellow color with bright lemon yellow hues when held to a light source and a frothy two finger head that slowly settles into a lasting cap. Rings and chunks of soapy lacing coat the glass.

Sweet, slightly earthy and herbal aroma with lots of citrus peel, zesty spice and bread/yeast notes. Grassy with hints of pepper, clove and coriander as well as some orange peel and lemon juice.

Medium bodied and a bit fuller than expected with some tight carbonation and prominent spice character up front that lingers throughout into a sweet yet dry finish. There's a blast of zesty spice up front with lots of pepper, clove and coriander which is countered mid-palate by yeast/bread flavor as well as some sweet citrus rind and grassy/herbal notes. Lot of lemon juice which gives off subtle acidity and sweet orange peel balancing things out nicely. The lemongrass is prominent with a nice earthy and sweet character that makes this beer extremely refreshing and easy to drink. I had no problem drinking down the whole 750 pretty quickly.

Overall, I was really impressed with this offering from DFH. Lately a lot of their experimental beers have been interesting but just extreme for the sake of being so. Interesting experiments but not terribly enjoyable. One and done kind of beers. This beer, on the other hand, was complex and flavorful and I will definitely be buying it again, especially with summer coming around.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2011 05:14:04 | More by corby112

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

3.63/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Max's during their DFH Baltimore Beer Week event.

The beer pours a pale gold color with decent head retention and minimal lacing. Don't get a whole lot on the nose, just some light clove and coriander. Flavors replicate the nose with some light sweetness and noticeable wheatiness. Mouthfeel is very light and the beer is fairly refreshing on the palate. Not surprisingly, alcohol is very well disguised, making for decent drinkability.

A nice enough beer, though I wish it had a bit more flavor. Really nothing to get excited about and probably something I would not bother to order again.

Serving type: on-tap

10-17-2009 15:02:54 | More by johnmichaelsen

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

2.48/5  rDev -35.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

First had: bottle from Pinocchio's Beer Garden, Media, PA

Sorry Dogfish Head, but I found another brew of yours I don't care for. Pours a hazy yellow with a nice white head, with a light aroma of crisp, floral hops. It gets points for being very refreshing and easily drinkable. However...where was the taste? I can't believe I'd say such a thing about a DFH brew, but there was almost no flavor in this at all, which was disappointing after reading the ingredients. Bear in mind: refreshing? yes; quaffable? yes; flavorful? no.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2011 15:54:05 | More by Rifugium

glid02

Georgia

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

On-tap at the Brick Store.

Pours a hazy lemon-yellow color with a 1.5-finger white head. The head recedes into a thin layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of light malts with bright light citrus flavors and moderate amounts of spices - coriander with hints of deeper and indistinct spices. Also present are light amounts of floral and slightly herbal hops.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Smooth light malt flavors with small amounts of white pepper kick things off and are joined quickly heavier spices, including coriander as in the aroma. Midway through the sip light citrus flavors take over, carrying through to a crisp ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with smooth carbonation.

Drinkability is also good. I finished my glass quickly and could have another.

Overall I was a fan of this beer however it's not quite clean enough to take a place in the upper tier. Still, an easy-drinking beer that will be great for warmer months.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2011 02:01:57 | More by glid02

beerthulhu

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Dull lemon brass with some orange hues for coloring that was filled with a moderately rising effervesce filling the glass. A softy frothy, cream like head, leaves various clumping for lace behind.

S: Bright lemon and coriander along with oranges are evident upfront. Lightly dry wheat along with lemongrass fills the nose while finishing out with a slight dry citrus sourness. Reminds me a bit of a hoegaarden.

T: Bright and sassy on the open with a zing of citrusy hops, lemon, and a strong dry wheat backing. Fresh oranges is mingles with evident lemongrass notes that is slightly dry and sour with an acidic bite thrown in for good measure. Solid by example flavorwise.

M: Zippy on the carbonation factor brings the mouthful to life with a sharp as a tack feeling. Creamy wheat and oat like texture with a medium body and dry lemon grind coating on the tongue.

D: Nice drinkability, though towards the end of the bottle you will start feeling the slowdown a bit. A bright zing brings a good start to the drink, while a bomber should suffice and be a good example per style.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2011 23:53:10 | More by beerthulhu

Brad007

Vermont

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

Pours a whitish-yellow color with a thick, frothy head that fades down gradually, leaving lacing behind.

A mix of coriander, orange and only a slight hint of lemongrass show up in the nose. Very practical.

There's plenty of coriander within to satisfy, followed up by orange and a slight touch of lemongrass.

Mouthfeel is "airy" or "fluffy" with just the right feel for the style. There's just a hint of every flavor left.

I give this high marks for the emphasis on coriander and the excellent mouthfeel. Can you say extremely drinkable craft beer?

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2011 01:50:38 | More by Brad007

stakem

Pennsylvania

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

From a capped 750ml bottle stamped "bottled in 2010" into a shaped DFH pint glass. I picked this up a few months back during a visit to the DFH Rehoboth brewpub location.

Pours a cloudy straw yellow color with a finger of white head that has pretty good retention supported by the constantly rising bubbles of carbonation. There is a constant film of white bubbles atop this brew that congregates along the side of the glass in a thicker layer. A light swirl revives the cap back to a finger's strength and provides some faint patchy lace.

The aroma of this brew is fruity with the spice of coriander induced lemon, smooth lasting light banana notes, a bit of clove and a sweet candy smell like that of pink "original flavored" bubblegum. Overall this is a fine smelling witbier. The lemon is more pronounced than other examples of the style but overall it works and makes a very enjoyable blended yet bold nose.

The taste of this brew is light and refreshing. Right upfront is the taste of coriander with a pine-sol like exaggerated and almost fake tasting lemony flavor that is clingy to the inside of the mouth. There is a spice of clove included along with a smooth mellow banana flavor before it gives way to a very light wheat grainy base. It finishes fairly tart as expected for a wit. A little bit of belgian style alcohol warmth becomes evident in the backend of this brew.

This is a very easy drinking and enjoyable brew. It is light to medium bodied with a high level of carbonation. Overall it is well balanced yet bold with it's flavor and scent for the style. The lemony aspect could be tamed down a bit but it was a pleasure to drink and probably the best example of the style I have had in recent memory despite the exaggerated lemon flavor. This beer needs to be around come summertime next year.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2010 01:23:30 | More by stakem

Georgiabeer

Georgia

3.83/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a pale, slightly cloudy straw color with a pure white head that sticks around as medium cap and leaves some decent lacing. Nice spicy and lemony aromas, with a particularly nice floral hit of lemongrass. The taste is a bit more subtle, with a gentleness overall, some very light spice notes, some decent lemongrass, and a soft finish. The beer could use a little more crispness, and a little more depth of flavor, but overall it's fairly intriguing and quite refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 02:29:34 | More by Georgiabeer

mactrail

California

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

Pleasant but extremely light-bodied Wit-like beer. Pale, hazy grayish golden in color. Modest foam in the glass, and spritzy mouthfeel.

Light flavors with just a touch of orange. Not much evidence of the lemongrass supposed to be in the brew, but that's probably a good thing. More of a seltzer water taste. Light bit of malt sweetness is the best feature-- sort of a watery Hefeweizen flavor.

Overall it's pretty anemic, though inoffensive in flavor. What's offensive is the price of a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2012 06:34:36 | More by mactrail

Cyberkedi

Georgia

3.88/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Yeasty aroma has fruity, spicy and malty hints. It pours a slightly hazy solar yellow with a minimal white head that still leaves some good lacing. Malty and wheaty flavor has a firm yeasty undertone and floral and fruity hints, and is very refreshing. Smooth texture has fairly firm body and a rather strong fizz, leaving behind a persistent tingle.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2011 01:41:44 | More by Cyberkedi

largadeer

California

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

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.13/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Dogfish Head
Namaste

Pours a pale white/straw color. A careful pour still yields a decent amount of sediment. Aromas of hay, citrus, grass and wheat are dominant. In the taste, much like a standard wit, wheat, lemon, twang of lemon grass, citrus, coriander and pepper. Very light. The mouthfeel is extrememly light bodied, thin, and watery. Overall, interesting and glad to try. Would say it would be great on a hot summer day, but I found it a bit too over spiced to be quenching, and too watery to hold the spices at bay. Average.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 19:54:34 | More by Stinkypuss

avalon07

South Carolina

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

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a pale yellow color and a cloudy texture. There was a big, creamy, long-lasting head. Very good lacing.

S: A nice aroma of malt, citrus, and some spices.

T: Tasted of orange, lemon, malt and some coriander. Not quite as dynamic as I would've hoped, but still pretty tasty. A well-rounded flavor.

M: A well-carbonated beer with a smooth finish. Light-bodied.

D: This an easy to like, drinkable beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2011 12:04:17 | More by avalon07

OWSLEY069

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a hazy yellow color with a white head. In the aroma, faint orange citrus, lemon grass and somewhat earthy. In the taste, orange notes, dry earthiness and lemon grass. A spice bite and light to a medium bodied mouthfeel, with a semi dry orange to coriander like aftertaste. Almost saison like, mellow with a nice spice profile.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2010 15:38:35 | More by OWSLEY069

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

scruffwhor

Illinois

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

Cloudy, pale straw color withh some sediment when you get closer to the bottom of the bottle. Nice head taht retains very well for all 750 mls and classic bubbling.

Citric, fruity, and earthy tahnks to the lemongrass. I was surprised that I could actually smell the lemongrass. Pretty cool!

Sweet yeasty fruit mixed with oranges and very soft sweet lemon flavors make this palate quite refreshing and flavorful. The mouthfeel is full of carbonation and a little chalky and dry. This only makes you want to drink more.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2011 02:03:20 | More by scruffwhor

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

dirtylou

Washington

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

on-tap, malt house

from notes

appearance: served in an unmarked chalice, blurry yellow body, pulpy white crest

smell: fresh cut flowers, lemon zest, perfumey, corriander, lavender

taste: a pretty decent witbier, though a little underwhelming. lemon zest, corriander, floral, orange peel. worth trying, but would never feel the need to buy a 750ml

mouthfeel: light, refreshing

overall: nice wit, lemongrass plays well

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2011 20:56:23 | More by dirtylou

Bitterbill

Wyoming

4.33/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle courtesy of THECPJ. Thanks Shane!

A very hazy straw yellow with a 2 finger head of foam. Look just like what a Witbier ought to.

Tons of aromas in the smell. Coriander and other spices, yeasty, with notes of wheat..now a blast of lemon zest. I'm not noticing any clove but that's fine.

All of the aromas seem to be integrated into the taste. It is very spicy and flavourful and a joy to drink.

Medium body, fairly light carbonation...nice mouth feel and drinks easy as pi. Darn good beer.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 00:08:54 | More by Bitterbill