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

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

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

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

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

vkv822

Oregon

3.93/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

on-tap @ Belmont Station.
taster glass : from notes.

Clear golden, with foamy white head.

Cider notes, with some sugar/sweetness coming through with notes of the cayenne. Didn't pick up much cilantro.

Medium body, prickly active carbonation. Some light heat from the cayenne.

An interesting beer, the different ingredients come together quite nicely.

Serving type: on-tap

09-02-2012 04:45:42 | More by vkv822

claspada

New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear light golden color with a small white head, good retention and lacing.

Aromas of cider apples with a lot of Bosc pear, yeasty with a hint of white pepper. As it warms I get something else I can't put my finger on, smells rustic/earthy (label says it was brewed with cilantro, so that makes sense now).

The tastes begin with a great deal of apple and pear upfront. As it warms the Belgian Yeast esters show up more as well as the herbal additions once again.

The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with medium, frothy, soft carbonation. Finish is a bit heavy and thick as are most DFH "off-centered" offerings.

Overall this was a nice beer, but I feel the heft/ABV hindered the enjoyability and drinkability of this beer. Beers of this style aren't meant to be this viscous and heavy on the palate. Drinks more like a Wheat Wine than a Witbier. Regardless I was glad to sample on draft over having to take the plunge and consume a whole 750ml.

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2012 14:03:11 | More by claspada

BEERchitect

Kentucky

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

With fruit flavors amplified, firmer body, dry crispness, and heightened spices to balance; this inquisitive ale only narrowly resembles the witbier style that influenced its overhaul. Yep, they dogfished it up pretty good!

Not all in all different from the appearance of standard witbiers, this imperialized version carries a firm hazy gold appearance with a thin creamy head that dissipated evenly to a film before residing as a lace around the glass. Light on lace, this is the only deviation from the look of Hoegaarden or Wittekerke.

Where the original aromas call for a apple ester complement, a stronger than normal note of dry cider steers from apple juice and favors the winy character to inform the already present bready wheat and spicy counterparts. Corriander (celery seed), oranges, tea-like dried herbs, dandilion, chamomile, and peppercorn round out the alluring scent with complexity and balance.

But there's no mistake in the sway in attitude that gives the flavors of Positive Contact its true identity. Big on fruit and spice, the balance of dry cider offers just enough sweetness and bread taste to keep the beer from becoming overly tart. Complements of coriander, fresh orange zest, herbal teas, and slight vegetation of pepper, grass, and and a tinge of soap that gives a mild perfumy sense.

Much drier than imperial versions usually give, this zesty and sprite ale offers much the same drinkability as softer and milder versions. Backed by a dry bread texture, the beer soon favors firm acidity of Zinfandel and prickling carbonation to carry the dryness toward a combined warmth of capsaicin and alcohol.

The overall effortless in drinkability of this imperial witbier is remarkably clean, refreshing and crisp despite its high alcohol values and the seemingly challenged spices and fruit added to the brew. But the premiere restraint of these additions give the finished beer added layers of complexity without disrupting the balance of the witbiers that we know and love. Those additions inform the usual taste but without quite being able to pinpoint its source. Putting those additions on the label takes much of the fun out of it for me.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2012 16:04:32 | More by BEERchitect

barczar

Kentucky

3.85/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear golden color with a solid half inch ivory head that lingers.

Aroma is green apple and wheat, with a yeasty, bready backbone and a bit of coriander.

The flavor is a bit more wheat dominant, with undertones of muted apple. There's a bit of hot pepper at the finish. Coriander and belgian yeast character add complexity. Bubble gum surfaces as it warms.

Body is moderate to a touch heavy, creamy, with fairly high carbonation and a bit of alcohol bite and warmth.

Overall, a complex brew, but I was surprised the cider character wasn't more prevalent. Definitely worth a try!

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2012 22:09:18 | More by barczar

WoodBrew

Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Boulvard's in Johnstown, PA in a tulip glass. Pours a cloudy amber color, fruity nose to it. It is essentially a high powered Heffe. Medium bodied, nice mouthfeel. Actually don't get too much of a cider taste at all, but just a well balanced tasty brew with an assortment of fruity flavors and hops. Surprisingly smooth, finishes clean... was pleasantly surprised at how good this beer was... try it out if you can.

Serving type: on-tap

08-01-2012 03:18:08 | More by WoodBrew

UCLABrewN84

California

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

On tap for the Summer Beerfest at Far Bar in Los Angeles, CA.

Pours a slightly hazy gold with a foamy bone colored head that settles to a small cap on top of the beer. Foamy swaths of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, grain, yeast, spices, and some fruity aromas. Taste is much the same with a very fruity flavor and the spice flavors coming through more on the aftertaste. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with some nice fresh aromas and flavors that make it easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 04:56:17 | More by UCLABrewN84

drabmuh

Maryland

3.5/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the brew pub in Rehoboth beach, served in a shaker pint. Beer is yellow and mildly hazy, white head, large bubbles, no lacing, low retention.

Aroma is apple-y and grainy, smells like a witbier.

I guess I can taste some of the apples but not the cilantro or the chayenne pepper. It tastes like a witbier and a grainy witbier at that. not a favorite. Not a repeat.

Serving type: on-tap

07-19-2012 17:15:32 | More by drabmuh

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

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

On tap at Max's yesterday.

The beer pours a solid gold with pretty good head retention and lacing. The nose is attractive enough, with honey, light clove, light coriandor and something of an apple/grape aroma. The flavor profile replicates the nose in this beer, except there's some nice hoppy bitterness in the finish that helps to counter and balance the modest sweetness. Mouthfeel is medium bodied at most, with a fairly long, spice and bitter finish. The alcohol is well integrated into the flavor profile, and frankly, this beer does not drink like a 9% abv. beer (more like around 6%, or 7% at the most).

Considering everything that went into this beer, I thought the flavor profile a bit simple and one dimensional (though enjoyable). Still a nice beer, but just not worth the price tag and hassle of obtaining (IMHO).

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2012 16:45:16 | More by johnmichaelsen

marlinsfan4

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Max's in Baltimore in a tulip glass. Pours a cloudy amber color, fruity nose to it. Listed as a hybrid cider beer.... worries me a bit. Medium bodied, nice mouthfeel. Actually don't get too much of a cider taste at all, but just a well balanced tasty brew with an assortment of fruity flavors and hops. Surprisingly smooth, finishes clean... was pleasantly surprised at how good this beer was... try it out if you can.

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2012 02:02:02 | More by marlinsfan4

mdfb79

New York

3.9/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 06/07/12 notes.

a - Pours a clear golden color with one inch of white head and low carbonation evident.

s - Smells of coriander, spice, smoke, fruity malts, citrus hops, green apples. Nice, but a little smokey. Was expecting more apples.

t - Tastes of green apples, sweet apples and fruity malts, floral notes, citrus hops, coriander, spices. A step up from the nose for me. Lots of apples which I liked.

m - Medium body and low carbonation. Pretty easy to drink.

o - Overall a pretty nice beer. The nose is a little spicy and smokey but the taste is great and full of apples. Would like to have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

06-20-2012 17:12:42 | More by mdfb79

Gavage

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: hazy orange in color with a short 1/2" head that falls slowly.

Smell: apples and a fruity sweetness are easily detectable.

Taste: mild wheat profile with a load of golden apples, some pear, and a pepper spice. Bitterness is mild overall.

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

Overall: as the description said it is a bit cider like, and it certainly was. Mildy refreshing.

Serving type: on-tap

03-16-2012 19:50:54 | More by Gavage

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This poured out as a clear golden color with a white head on top. The smell of the beer has a touch of sweet and tart apple aromas to it with some spice notes in there too. The taste of the beer gives off the minimal tartness of the apple used with the mixture of spices added to give this brew some character. The mouthfeel was light and dry with a decent carbonation to it. Overall this beer wasn't much of a Witbier in my opinion but still was drinkable. I wouldn't mind having this one again someday.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2012 18:26:55 | More by Knapp85

mdaschaf

Washington

3.55/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Review from notes.

A: Served in a goblet, the beer was a dark orange color with a very small off-white head on top, just covering the top, with extremely thin lacing that does not last.

S: Definitely get the cider and apple on the aroma. There is a slight grassy component and a hint of heat, probably from the cayenne.

T: An apple forward witbier for sure. There is a little bit of pear and an herbal flavor. There is a little bit of hot spice at the back and as the beer goes down.

M: Medium bodied with low to medium carbonation, probably could have been a bit higher.

O: A different take on a witbier and a nice change of pace from the normal offerings at DFH.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2012 19:38:39 | More by mdaschaf

psuwiz99

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Cloudy orange/brown, little to no head.

S: Apples, apple cider, yeast.

T: Fairly standard wit, with a nice hint of apples. Doesn't taste as strong as the ABV would suggest.

M: Not much carbonation, very light on the palate and goes down smooth.

O: Really enjoyed the beer, thought it was a perfect blend of the wit style with a hard cider.

Serving type: on-tap

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2012 01:11:31 | More by psuwiz99

teromous

Virginia

3.73/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: It's a very murky dark shade of oarange, nearly brown. There is a soft sliver of head, and no real lacing.

S: It smells a lot like an Imperial Wit, with familiar Belgian scents backed by what a strong Belgian Ale smells like.

T: It tastes mostly like a standard wit, with a slight fruit flavor, and tons of wheat flavor. The aftertaste has a definite apple cider taste. I could taste the apples a lot more in the aftertaste and burps. I could taste some hints of alcohol.

M: The mouthfeel is very good, but I felt it could have been more carbonated. It has a light mouthfeel. It felt about average.

O: Overall I thought it was a really good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2012 01:37:59 | More by teromous

THECPJ

Delaware

3.43/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes:

Appearance: murky orange brown with no head

Smell: apples, pears, coriander, spice,

Taste: apples, spice, malts,

Mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body

Overall: interesting take on a witbier. Definitely get some cider qualities from the apple and pears. Glad I got to try it.


Cheers,
Thecpj

Serving type: on-tap
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

12-28-2011 22:04:12 | More by THECPJ

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
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

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
@ Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach

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