Namaste - Dogfish Head Brewery

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

prototypic

Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Namaste pours a light gold color. It's a little hazy, and looks yellow with backlighting. A soft, white head covers it. It's quick to recede, and leaves a very light coat of lace clinging to the glass. For the style, it's pretty good.

The nose is extremely impressive. It's tough to find a great smelling Witbier. This is one of the few. It kicks off with a really nice mix of coriander and orange peel . Grainy, earthy, and floral notes linger throughout. It smells sweet and just a tad sugary. It really is a wonderful complement to the initial spicy scents. It's not complex, but it smells damn nice!

The flavor is not quite as impressive, but is good. Grainy and earthy flavors are noted up front. The orange peel and coriander presence is obvious and really drives the overall flavor. It's a wonderful mix, but doesn't come through as strong here. Light pepper and a bit of hop bitterness follow. The hops taste like noble hops to me. They have a nice floral, slightly spicy character. Alcohol isn't noticeable at all. Finishes grainy, spicy, and a little bitter.

Namaste has a lighter body. Carbonation is restrained, but it's too thin to attain any real degree of smoothness. Not uncommon for the style. Drinkability is very high. This is a tasty Witbier that's very easy to drink. At 5% abv, it's very friendly. On a hot summer day, a 750 ml bottle simply wouldn't be enough.

To my knowledge, Namaste is an Indian greeting that means "bow to you." The label alludes to something similar. I'm not sure that there's any real Indian tie to this beer, but there doesn't need to be. It's a damn tasty Witbier that's worthy of your attention. The nose is extremely impressive. The flavor could maybe use a few more amps on the coriander/orange peel to really ramp it up, but I can't complain. I really enjoyed this, and I'm not a huge fan of the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2010 03:45:38 | More by prototypic

atsprings

North Carolina

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

750mL bottle into a tulip glass pours a nice murky pale orange with a thin diminishing head. Aroma is a nice amount of sweet fruits and spices. The taste is a nice amount of sweet malts and fruits with lemon zest and coriander. The beer is quite light, crisp and refreshing with smooth carbonation. This is a very respectable wit, one I'd certainly have again.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 21:44:06 | More by atsprings

clayrock81

Virginia

4.15/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured a light and cloudy dull gold with a fizzy head thanks to sharp/great carbonation that dies quick and is sitting atop a very sharp, lemony wheat aroma. Picking up a lot citric, mostly loemon with some orange (banana even?) and a spicey, clove-like smell as well w/ a touch of sweetness coming from somewhere. A great witbier to drink is what follows; a smooth, fluffy body thanks to the wheat/yeast that is real smooth and there's a good amount of balance to this beer as there's a sharpness as well thanks to spices and a sharp but not overpowering citric bite. Citric consists of lemon and some orange and there's again that touch of sweetness I can't identify. A well-balanced beer that alternates between spicy and sharp citric and throws in a touch of sweet stuff for a very enjoyable brew.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2011 20:35:10 | More by clayrock81

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

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

pour is hazy straw yellow with a tight white head. The nose is bright and balanced. An assertive yeast not with a well balanced peppery spice. The coriander adds an Interesting earthy note behind. The taste is also bright, lemony zest, lightly earthy, assertive yeast notes with a solid balance of spice and coriander. The body is light and airy, strong carbonation and a semi dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 16:07:42 | More by cpetrone84

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

Boto

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bomber: This one pours a hazy straw-golden color. There was a bit of a white head on it that doesn’t linger long. Also, there were some "floaties" in the beer. There is a nice nose to it. Definitely coriander and yeast to the nose. Some wheat in there also, as well as some floral notes. The taste is good also. Wheat, coriander, and a slight dryness to the beer. Citrusy flavors also. Good, but a bit pricey for the style.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2011 19:23:58 | More by Boto

claspada

New Jersey

3.8/5  rDev -1.3%
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

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

BretSikkink

Mexico

3.9/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Papago. Well hazed body with a meringue head. Patchy lace. Nose is quite spicy, with notes of white pepper and coriander. Flavor is zesty with orange peel and spicy with coriander. Herbal, tea-like notes come through, especially in the finish. Body is medium for style, pretty light overall. Carbonation leaves the mouthfeel slick and the finish dry. Very drinkable and nice for those warm days. Good for style.

Serving type: on-tap

04-17-2011 00:54:58 | More by BretSikkink

sweemzander

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750mL bottle poured into a tulip. Thank you to cjacobsen for sharing!

(A)- Pours a hazy yellow color. Some white bubbles.

(S)- A complex profile of lemon/orange peel. A spicy cardamon too with underlying dry yeasty wheat aspects.

(T)- Same as the smell. Nice layered lemon and orange peel with a subtle honey sweetness and bits of banana in the far background.

(M)- A crisp carbonation level. A nice combo of fruits, spice, and mellow sweetness.

(D)- An easy crisp drinker with fresh fruit tastes. Great for a summer afternoon.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2011 15:56:42 | More by sweemzander

allengarvin

Texas

4.3/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Chimay chalice. Very bright gold color, a tad hazy, with fine-streaming bubbles from the bottom. Very nice aroma! Perfect for a wit, with loads of spiciness. Coriander and bitter orange peel are both very apparent, though I don't detect the lemongrass. The flavor mostly follows, though the coriander isn't as assertive as I would have thought. The lemongrass lurks around the edges, but isn't really a major flavor component. Yeast gives a gentle vanilla hint.

Very nice beer. I'd much rather have it in a set of affordable 12oz bottles, than a single $10 750, but I'll probably buy again anyway.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2011 01:14:43 | More by allengarvin

harrymel

Washington

3.43/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Transcribed from notes on 12/12/10
$10 for 22oz at Pilgrim's in Coeur D'Alene, ID.

Poured to tulip.

A: Straw colored ale with low clarity - light shines thru, but as a glow, not a obvious light. Nice, white, loosely packed head dissipates early on. Nothing fancy here.

S: The scent, although strong, is sweet with grain and florals. Lemongrass, rose and gardenias make this a beautiful note to the beer.

T: Medium strength sweetness accented with corianderesque belgian yeast and lemongrass.

M: While carb seems excessive up front, foams out in mouth and leaves a nice, smooth, slick finish.

D: This is a good beer. Fits a niche desire. Although subtle, offer a complex variety of experience. Don't pass up, but don't expect a big beer. This is a slow, grows on you kind of beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2010 10:08:29 | More by harrymel

scottfrie

California

3.95/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750ml bottle into Delirium tremens snifter. Big thanks to HosP for this one!

A: Pours a hazy glowing golden-lemon with a fluffy bright white head that slowly faded into almost nothing leaving a few soapy spots of lacing down the glass.
S: I get notes of cracked wheat, Belgian spice, pepper, lemon, coriander and a touch of orange.
T: Clean flavors of wheat, yeast, citrus and spice with the coriander coming through in the finish and the lemongrass in the aftertaste. There is a hint of bubblegum as well. Flavors are easy and clean.
M: Bubbly carbonation with a spritzy mouthfeel over the medium body. Refreshing.
O: I liked it and am glad I got to try it. Very refreshing and easy to drink. Thanks again Mark for hooking it up!

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2011 03:30:05 | More by scottfrie

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -6.5%
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

cosmicevan

New York

3.63/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle generously shared by yagman.

A - huge pour left a thick head of white foaminess. Classic wit. Beautiful murky golden color. Thick strong lacing. Pretty true to what I expect of the style. Head hangs around. Visible steady bubbling.

S - really strong orange. Strong lemon as well almost lemondrop candy. Quite enjoyable. Not too sweet.

T - orange peel and corriander. Touch of the pilsner in the flavor which is a bit weird, or should I say off centered? Tang,flavored beer?

M - mouth grabs me first. Very thin and watery. Reminiscent of cheap beer when.i had my first taste as a wee one. However...Super easy to drink. Almost like a wit flavored vitamin water.

O - overall, I enjoyed this beer. Great for the summer wheather, lighter, easier to drink. Somewhat pilsner meets wit. Yagman called it a good crossover beer for a fan of macro wits and,that pretty much hits it on the head.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2011 01:44:36 | More by cosmicevan

Jayli

Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +8.6%
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

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -4.4%
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

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.15/5  rDev +7.8%
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

puboflyons

New Hampshire

3.88/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Sampled on April 7, 2012 at the Keene, NH Beerfest. The pour was pale yellow to olive in tone with a fizzy white head and a generally cloudy appearance. The aroma features an array of sensations including citrus, grainy malts, yeast, and something not unlike wheat. The body is about medium and fairly typical for the style. The taste had a slightly more bready flavor along with malts, pepper, and a dry finish. This one costs a few bucks so I am glad I got to try it at a brewfest.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2012 01:12:43 | More by puboflyons

aerozeppl

New York

3.85/5  rDev 0%
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

merc7186

New York

3.85/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bomber into a bell jar (classy).

A: Hazy Yellow Hue, Passes Lots of Light, White Head, Some Lacing

S: Lemon, Wheatgrass

T: Lemon, Wheat, Light Pepper

M: Decent Carbonation, Light Bodied, Lightly Drying

Overall, a nice mild wheat beer with a balanced lemon flavor.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 01:36:48 | More by merc7186

Bierguy5

Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle, 5% abv. Bottled in 2011. Pours cloudy, pale gold color. Pillow-like white fluffy head. Very nice head retention and lace.

Cereal grain malt, with a zesty citrusy edge. Big herbal and earthy notes blend in, with hints of spice.

Pale malt, a big grainy and tart. A bit of sweetness. Herbal notes. Some restrained spices. Very well balanced.

Light body with refreshing carbonation. Very easy to drink. Not the most exciting style, but simple and well done.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2011 22:58:11 | More by Bierguy5

yourefragile

District of Columbia

3.25/5  rDev -15.6%
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

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

chinchill

South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Hazy dark golden with a lasting white head.

Fruit, coriander and floral notes on the nose.

Taste follows nose, more or less, but is a bit more tart and lemony. Lighty tart with some balancing sweetness.

Medium-light body with good carbonation. Semi-dry finish.

An interesting variation on a Belgian witbier ... at least I think that is what they were aiming for. I liked the balance of flavors from the grains, fruit(s) and spices.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2011 20:14:13 | More by chinchill

Phelps

Arizona

3.75/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed in a shaker pint at Flanny's.

Slightly hazed lemonade-yellow. One finger of off-white foam becomes a thick top layer after a minute. Sticky walls of lace.

Bright, pithy aroma. Lots of lemon peel and coriander with some crackers. Nicely floral, with roses and lavender. Maybe even some lilac?

Lemon again in the flavor, blended with tons of coriander. The clean cracker finish is nicely drying. Flash of floral and dried citrus before swallow.

Light, massaging carbonation and a soft fizziness. Light on the palate, as it should be.

Namaste might be the best American-made wit. It’s more citrusy than your average wit, adding to its refreshment and complexity.

Serving type: on-tap

08-06-2011 06:33:50 | More by Phelps