Positive Contact - Dogfish Head Brewery

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.65/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Served in a snifter at Durty Nellie's.

Shit, I was worried I'd never see this stuff, then BAM! here it is on-tap at Nellie's. It pours a lightly-hazy brass topped by a finger of lightly off-white foam. The nose comprises honey, cranberry, white grape, chili pepper, and apples. There's a fairly random mixture for ya, eh? At least it's good... The taste brings in more of the same, though with more white grape, the pepper has taken on more of a curry/cumin character, and some flowers enter the picture for the sake of it. The body is a lithe medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sorta/kinda gel-like feel. Overall, a decidedly interesting beer, one that showcases the versatility of apples in brewing and the possibilities of sheer randomness.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2013 23:46:56 | More by TMoney2591

clayrock81

Virginia

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

Poured a clearish gold body with two finger head that slowly receeds and left plenty of lace. I pick up citric notes and yeast as well as some peppery spice, but also get some type of apple like sweetness which I guess is the cider and there is a slight sweet malt aroma as well. This kind of reminded me less of a wit and more of a Belgian Pale only because the citric twang and spicey zip I associate with those brews is not as pronounced as one would normally find in a wit. They are in there, but there's also some plush juicy and tropical fruit notes and some sugary malt sweetness as well. Beer is light-to-medium bodied, creamy at times and sharp at others thanks to carbonation and the ABV is well-hidden.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 11:24:37 | More by clayrock81

kojevergas

California

3.29/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

9% ABV confirmed. 1 pint 9.4 fl oz brown glass bottle with okay label art and branded copper pressure cap acquired at Cap N Cork Junior Market for $15.00 and served into a Mitchells of Lancaster flared stem-tulip in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. Expectations are high; I'm in the mood for a good witbier - but I'm skeptical about Dogfish Head.

Served cold, straight from the fridge. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

The cap yielded a crisp "psh" upon opening; no beer surged out or anything. Carbonation appears adequate but not overdone.

A: Pours a two finger white colour head of nice cream and thickness. Retention is good for the ABV - about 4 minutes. Body colour is a clear pale straw yellow. Translucent and transparent. It's got me worried; every good witbier I've had has been cloudy but this isn't. Was it filtered? Seems off for the style. I'm hesitant. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show.

Sm: Lemon and orange citrus fruit notes. Estery. Pale malts. Fresh, fruity, and inviting. No yeast character is detectable. No alcohol is detectable. Some cream. Light spices - cilantro sticks out. Not getting the cidery notes mentioned on the label. The aroma is typical of the style overall. Minimal floral hop character. A moderate strength aroma - pretty assertive for a witbier. Appealing and inviting.

T: Orange and lemon citrus fruit esters. Pale malts. No real yeasty character. Alcohol is more prominent than in most witbiers, but still well concealed. Vague cilantro does come through. Apple skin. Not getting any cayenne pepper as listed on the label. Clean and crisp. Pleasant to drink. Decently balanced. Forceful for the style; it doesn't come off natural or traditional. The alcohol in particular is upsetting. Attempts to be complex at the expense of balance and purity. Not at all subtle. Approachable, but it misses the mark for the style.

Mf: Crisp and clean. Smooth and wet. Suits the flavour profile well. To style. Overcarbonated. Decent presence on the palate.

Dr: Price point is way too high considering the quality here. I wouldn't get it again but it's an interesting take on a witbier. It feels very American and non-traditional; the brewers are trying to pack in flavour needlessly. A witbier is a subtle and balanced style; these brewers are forcing complexity where it has no place. Alcohol is too high and noticeable for the style. A decent attempt at the style, but a misguided one. The efforts to make it cidery and spicy largely fail, and we're left with a bad excuse for a witbier in terms of conventions. I'll be sticking to Allagash White; it's supremely better and the price point is more respectable - even though it's imported farther.

Low B-

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 00:54:24 | More by kojevergas

RaulMondesi

California

3.41/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

At tha lil wiener hipster joint - linx, for some "frites" and a few brews.

My brother ordered this not knowing what it was (he poured half out to me) and I sure wish that he didn't. Raul's like, yeah, he gets it, but like hoo-hoes wearing wedges, he wish he didn't. It's palatable, and like a girl in wedges, he won't turn it away. But like said hoochie, Raul wishes that this beer could just put some stilettos on.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2013 00:21:57 | More by RaulMondesi

JoeyRamon

New York

4.13/5  rDev +7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Very intense for a wit, couldn't drink more than a glass. Still, very well crafted and flavorful. Apple flavor comes off differently than expected, not as cider-y as one would think... Just wish there was less alcohol for a more enjoyable summer sipper.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 20:51:36 | More by JoeyRamon

RollBounce

New York

3.58/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

smells of apples cinnamon, lemon peel, little golden color, creamy mouthfeel,with with nice carbonation that fades quickly small bubbles, no lacing, some we wheatyness.with orange, pepper, and a mild sweet aftertaste. Overall an Imperial saison style with a nice mouth feel and a small uniqueness.cool but not over interesting.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 19:34:23 | More by RollBounce

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Had this at the Jamison pourhouse. I enquired to the bartender about it and he know not. A small simple proved to be a witbier.
Know what your serving Jamison pourhouse less you look like an idiot.
Cloudy yellow brew nice head.
Aroma was spicy corrinder and wheat malts.
Drank smooth and refreshingly spritzy. I didn't take notice to a cider aspect but was rather tart and sweet.
A good brew perfect for the up coming summer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-12-2013 17:27:37 | More by micromaniac129

wedge

North Carolina

3.74/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

@ Bottle Revolution

Hazy gold color with a small, creamy looking head. Aromas of pear and apple joined by floral, herbal, spicy qualities. Spicy, estery fruit. Sweet, yeasty flavors of apple, herbs, dried banana, flowers, pepper, coriander, and clove. A little more "hefe" than "wit". A little heat in the throat and smooth bodied. An interesting experience, but it's one and done for me.

Serving type: on-tap

05-11-2013 20:02:06 | More by wedge

DMXLOX22

Pennsylvania

4.19/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Picked up a single of this brew at my local establishment, Civera's in Drexel Hill. Let's see how it matches up. Gotta love rotating brews!

Appearance: Pours a golden, hazy, very light orange hue. Pretty cloudy, but the less transparency is promising. Leaves a nice, frothy, about a 3 inch head. Lacing sticks down to almost the end, then fades.

Smell: Has a great aroma of Belgian yeast and a straw-like wheat. Second take on the aroma is a sweet-like spice that seems to radiate beyond the grains and malts. A aroma of cider is also detected. Not bad at all. Pretty inviting.

Taste: First sips really reveal the abundance of fruits and spices. Cider is obviously apparent, hints of orange peel are also detected and wheat. Pretty delicious. Also a slight vegetation is detected, I would assume is the cilantro. Mild hops are present and I can also sense a tart spiciness. Not bad at all.

Mouthfeel: Medium to almost light body. Moderate carbonation. Finishes a little dry. Mild also with a lighter bread-y taste.

Overall: Coming into this brew, I would say I had some doubts, considering I've recently had bad experiences with Dogfish Head's rotating, specialty beers. But I was taken aghast. This beer actually was quite delicious. The witbier category is well represented. A mix of the wheat and bitter of the spices and even the cider is added with a slight bitterness works well. It's well-balanced. The body is quite nicely put together. I would totally have this beer again and would recommend it to a friend. Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 00:47:35 | More by DMXLOX22

WVbeergeek

Ohio

4.05/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beautiful golden ale brought forth from a cider base of pressed Fuji apples, cilantro, cayenne, and roasted faro. Hazed just slightly glowing golden body with a bright white head, forms fine lacing around the sides of my glass. Aroma has tart apples freshly sliced in the forefront with hints of herbal spice with a peppery cayenne kick in the nares....really complex well brewed offering from one of my favorite brewers and rappers Dan the Automator aka Deltron 3030 aka Del the Funky Homosapien. No overt sweetness on the palate just tasty sliced apples, spicy cayenne and cilantro interplay, a nice mix of flavors bready yeast biscuit malt and cracker dough added to the spectrum. Nares are lightly kissed with the spice additions of the cayenne and cilantro, a really well done carbonation level effervescent fine ale carries the beer just right across my palate. It works really well for me, the type of beer I can drink by myself, with friends, or with food it's a triple threat great tasting complex and drinkable you can't hate on that. Toward the end I paired it with a spicy Nicaraguan cigar Ortega Wild Bunch series #4 Tony the Boss Churchill great spicy smoke leather in the tobacco pairs well with the spice and light apple sweetness, I'm diggin' the combo it works together so nicely.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 23:22:15 | More by WVbeergeek

dar482

New York

4.06/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

The color is a clearish gold/straw color. Not very hazy like other witbiers.

I actually had no clue this was 9% ABV. It doesn't come through at all. It has great wheat taste with slight citrus and slight dry bitterness. There is a good amount of clean tasting malt. The body is medium with some carbonation.

It's a wonderfully beautiful beer with its ABV. It's dangerously drinkable. No sense of the alcohol. So delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

05-05-2013 04:59:59 | More by dar482

gabedivision

New York

3.93/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured to a Weizen glass from. 750 ml

A- pours a crystal clear golden yellow with a 1 1/2 finger head and tons of visible carbonation

S- banana up front, soft sugary fruits follow some apricot pear juice. Light spice elements also, coriander some clove, not over powering at all however

T- big carbonation opens the tongue for sugary banana, fruity eaters, vanilla cream, a touch of toasted grain, some soapiness, finishes with some coriander

M- light bodied for a 9% beer, you would never know it, lots of carbonation, fruity, soft a d finishes dry

O- loved this beer, though a tad pricey IMO, but damn good never the less

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2013 01:05:17 | More by gabedivision

rdilauro

Connecticut

3.49/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Pours like a a light American Lager, except this one is somewhat more brilliant and you almost see some body in this beer. The head was a nice but short white creamy head.

I had a hard time picking out one assertive bouquet. There were several different noses going on, all nice. At the first sip, the apple taste can right through. It was a crisp , not to tart of an apple taste along with some very complimenting spices.

At each sip, I discovered more apple and spices. This is a soft big round beer that you will enjoy keeping in your mouth a bit. The aftertaste trails away gracefully and I always hope beers do.

A good beer for the Spring time

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 15:52:08 | More by rdilauro

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.89/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This would be the recent batch #2. Poured from a bottle into a shaker pint, the beer is a bright yellow-gold coloring and a fluffy, white, tall, bright head that leaves a cling all over the glass as it slowly recedes. Settles in a solid half an inch. Aromas of all spice, cinnamon, subtle apple sweetness, and a touch of cloves. Flavors are smooth and light, with a cider sweet backbone and subtle pepper spicing. Very light and very well balanced. The all spice and clove become highlighting accents instead of main characteristics. Very light, crisp, clean body. The finish is slightly sweet, with a hint of spice. Great balance to a very unique brew. Tasty, light, and hugely refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 00:58:57 | More by GarthDanielson

cindyjeffsmith

Georgia

4.08/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: pale straw. Not great, but upped to above average due to the fat foamy off white head.
Smell: yeasty bread and light spice. Smells like a tripel to me.
Taste: tastes like a tripel too. Quite tasty. A bit of fruity sweetness tempered with light spice.
Overall: yes, I think the overall warrants a higher than any individual score. The experimentation warrants. Kudos to Dogfish and keep at it!

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 22:48:22 | More by cindyjeffsmith

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.51/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First had: on tap at DFH, Rehoboth

Hazy, pale yellow pour, with a large cap of foamy white head that receded to a ringlet, leaving a few dots of lacing on the glass. Fairly typical wheat profile on the nose, with notes of apple and grape. Taste of toasted wheat, sweet apple cider, subtle grape and yeast flavors, herbal hops; I didn't really get any pepper characteristics at all. Light-medium body, decent overall, but not too memorable.

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2013 00:43:43 | More by Rifugium

FlemingVSKing

Florida

4.21/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Purely enjoyable.

The most notable thing here is the spicy finish. It's warm and complements the lighter flavor of the rest of the beer very well. It's flavorful, but doesn't go out of it's way to be an experience outside of the transition from the light fruit hints to the spice at the finish. All in all a good one trick beer that I would drink again any time. Good for all occassions.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 07:41:49 | More by FlemingVSKing

nimrod979

Maryland

3.89/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

750ml Bottle poured into a DFH snifter.

Appearance: Pours a lovely golden orange with a slight haze. Two fingers of thick white frothiness. Amazing retention and thick lacing glued to my glass.

Aroma: Interesting apple cider, fruity and yeasty, trace aromas of some spice. Hints of a banana/clove hefeweizen type aroma.

Taste: Same as nose. Apple and pear fruity flavors, wheat, and some spice quality, though not anything that is clearly detectable.(Not getting a defining cayenne or cilantro)

Mouthfeel: A bit lighter body, soft carbonation. A bit dry in the finish. 9% is not detectable. Not a bad offering.

Another off-centered-ale from DFH.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 21:12:46 | More by nimrod979

metter98

New York

3.78/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: The beer is hazy pale yellow in color. It poured with a finger high off white head that died down and left a thin head covering the surface.
S: There are aromas of apple cider and wheat in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell, but also has notes of hefeweizen yeast and hints of herbs and spices.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: Considering its strength, this beer is rather easy to drink because the alcohol is well hidden from the taste.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 01:00:30 | More by metter98

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.91/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: Pours a hazy pale golden yellow in color with some straw yellow highlights and light to moderate amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a finger tall foamy white head that reduces to a mottled very thin film covering the entire surface of the beer with a couple of small thin patches and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate amounts of carbonation are observed.

S: Moderate to strong aromas of wheat and apples fruitiness - there are some also light notes of cilantro and cinnamon. Light notes of banana and clove.

T: Upfront there is a light amount of wheat flavors with a moderate to strong flavor of apple cider with a touch of fruity sweetness. Next, you get some lighter notes of cilantro and cinnamon with just a touch of banana/clove. Very light notes of bitterness which fade almost immediately. Slightest hint of cayenne pepper towards the finish that becomes a little more noticeable as the beer warms up.

M: Light to medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Moderate to strong amounts of dryness in the finish.

O: This beer is refreshing and easy to drink like others in the style, but the imperial nature of it makes the hidden alcohol all the more impressive. There is just a hint of hefeweizen, likely due to the yeast which contributes the very light notes of banana/cove.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 00:58:26 | More by dbrauneis

nickfl

Florida

4.19/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours with half a finger of white foam on top of a clear, golden body with tiny particles floating in it.

S - Wheat, spicy yeast, red apple, pepper, and lots of thick malt.

T - White wine, black pepper, and clove up front. Some dense malt in the middle and a finish of anise and red apple.

M - Medium-thick body, moderately high carbonation, and a slightly sweet finish.

D - Not bad, it is a bit much at first but grows on me as I drink it and halfway through the glass it has become a spicy, fairly complex Belgian golden type beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 02:27:12 | More by nickfl

kylehay2004

Florida

3.64/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: 1.5 finger head on a orange with golden hues clear body but with some floaters. Minimal lacing.

S: pear, lemon, orange peel, green apple, coriander.

T: fruit cocktail with apple and pear dominating. Pepper, herbs, caramel and hint of cilantro.

M: this one is very oily coating the palate with medium body and light to moderate carbonation.

Overall: definitely weird as expected. Reminded me a lot of cheap, packaged fruit cocktail with Belgian character. Glad stores decided to brake these 6 packs up despite the threats.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 02:24:14 | More by kylehay2004

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Bottle shared by Steve, 750ml into a tulip.

Clear orange, white head with ok retention and some lacing. Nose has lots of wheat, green banana, some cider character and orange rind. Cayenne is super subtle, wouldn't have picked it out had it not been on the label. Taste has banana, wheat, spice on the back. Toasty malts and a bit of alcohol in the finish. Some texture on the palate, medium body. Good enough as an imperial wit, but as with most of these DFH collab beers, I struggle to pick out any of these crazy ingredients.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 22:29:08 | More by liamt07

TBoneJones

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours hazy orange with fluffy foam head.
Smells yeasty, lemon rind, spicy, booze.
Taste is like the smell, but what nice balance right off the bat. Crisp and refreshing for the abv. Some sour spices. Herbs. Finally some apple is detected. Complex.
Bitter ending, nice carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 22:34:52 | More by TBoneJones

LittleDon

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

From a bottle aged under refrigeration 6 to 12 months.

A: Gold with a very slight haze. Dense bleached white head with excellent head retention and lacing.
S: Sweet, pear and apple aroma with citrus, clove, and a bit of alcohol in the background.
T: Starts with a sweet, honey like flavor. Clove, banana, and pear characteristics middle through finish. Almost no hop flavor and very light bitterness.
M: Medium-heavy body and very, very smooth. Carbonation slightly noticeable in the finish.

I expected to get more from the cayenne and cilantro but might not have because of the beer's age.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 22:10:40 | More by LittleDon