Positive Contact - Dogfish Head Brewery

random846

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a light amber in color with two fingers of white head. Just a very nice looking beer.

S: Belgian yeast was all I got really, maybe some apples but that might be all in my head because I know this is a cider and beer hybrid of sorts.

T: Apples then belgian yeast followed by the cilantro. Finally after the beer is gone you get this nice subtle burn from the canyenne peppers. The way the slightly peppery taste comes out from the herb flavor of the cilantro is definitely something new to me.

M: High carbonation, light but prickly mouthfeel. Canyenne pepper burns just enough to let you know it's there.

O: If this was cheaper I would buy this again, it's a truely interesting and tasty experiment by dogfish head but the price is quite high. It throws a couple of strange ingredients together and manages to balance them well and get the flavors they wanted out of them.

Serving type: growler

11-04-2012 00:31:40 | More by random846

ktblue22

Vermont

4.1/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Pours a bubbly yellow-golden color, with a small head.

Smell is strong but in a pleasant way, getting a lot of cider! Which doesn't necessarily translate into the taste but its still nice

Taste - Very saison-esque for me, lots of nice spices. The cayenne comes through after a few sips.

Mouthfeel - also pleasant - can't taste the high ABV at all which is a huge plus for me.

Overall a very nice beer! I think they did a great job with it. Lots of flavor without one characteristic being too overpowering.

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2013 17:29:57 | More by ktblue22

AgentMunky

California

3.98/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 750mL bottle into a DFH IPA glass. Bottled on 2013A.

A: Topped by two fingers of gorgeous white head. The beer is white-coloured, hazy, and effervescent. Great lacing.

S: Belgian yeast and apples. Nice, but rather soft/faint.

T/M: Interesting, but underwhelming. The apples are evident, but the cayenne is not, save perhaps a lack of sweetness on the very end. Belgian yeast is the largest contributor to the flavor, offering a spiciness to complement the wheaty-smooth mouthfeel. The strength is apparent and appreciated.

O: I'm not really sure what the appropriate drinking situation is...It's super-refreshing, but also quite strong. Proceed with caution.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2013 01:00:57 | More by AgentMunky

sjones5045

New Jersey

3.64/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

This pours a yellowish orange with a nice white head. Kind of lighter than a cider and darker than a whitbier. The smell is nothing remarkable. Reminds me a little of a farmhouse ale and a little like a Belgium strong. The taste was also a lot more ordinary than I was expecting. I really pick up no cilantro or cheyann or really not a whole heck of a lot of cider either. It does have a Belgium spice to it with a nice finish but was hoping for a lot more. Most disappointed in the missing cheyann since I was wishing this would have a little bit to it. Overall, very drinkable and clean. Not what I was expecting at all though. Just another me too kind of beer. Still love Dogfish Head though.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2013 23:49:32 | More by sjones5045

Krakistophales

Connecticut

4.43/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours straw colored with a two finger fluffy white head

S: Apple, caramel, spices. Honestly, I can't smell cilantro or cayenne, and Im glad I can't, the spices blend very well with the smell. Basically apples, caramel/candied sweetness, and spice.

T: Again, lots of apple and sweetness up front, some aromatic spice in the middle, and honestly this thing burns just a little bit on the back end. Im not sure if Im just sensitive to cayenne, but this thing actually lights up my mouth with some residual heat. Quite nice.

O: A fine cider offering from DFH. If you're interested in something sweet, spicy, and hot, this is one for you.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2013 00:21:31 | More by Krakistophales

mtomlins

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from a 750 ml bomber into a tulip glass

A: Straw in color and very clear pouring to a creamy white head dropping to a nice white collar and leaving a bit of lacing.

S: There is a nice fruity nose dominated by the fuji apples. There are slight hints of spiciness and high floral notes from the hops or perhaps the cayenne and cilantro.

T: At first, the taste is dominated by sweet apples and lemon spiciness, followed by that classic Belgian yeastiness and finishes dry and slightly bitter (cayenne?). As the beer warms however, the sweetness and spiciness enhances and becomes heavy and much less drinkable.

M: Bubbly (medium-high carbonation) and light in body at first but ‘thickens’ as it warms.

O: A very interesting beer; a complex mix of fruit, bitterness and spice, very enjoyable at first but turning heavy and cloying as it warmed. While it was not my favorite witbier, I found it complex and challenging and worth trying to find a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 18:17:36 | More by mtomlins

ONUMello

Ohio

3.95/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750ml bottle poured into a xxxx glass
A: Golden color with a two-finger head that slowly settles
S: Wheat, apples, a bit of spice
T: Matches the nose but more pronounced. Wheat, apple, pear, herbs, spice, Somewhat sweet but nice complexity
M: Light-bodied, good carbonation
O: Solid, enjoyable, but won't necessarily be memorable. Hides its 9% abv very well

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 04:11:37 | More by ONUMello

Suds

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A tempest of bubbles violently race to the top of the glass, contributing to a crown-like white head. This is a pretty beer. The smell is enticing...sweetness...blossoms and yeast, a but of malt, candy, and spice. Wit-like, but powerful and perfume. The taste is complex, sweet, warming, and spicy. Fruit is very present, but I don't know if I would have identified cider. Exceptional smoothness, and just a touch of warmth. Exceptional.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2013 23:20:25 | More by Suds

boesesfleisch

California

3.96/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Hazy, more of a golden color than a typical witbier.

S: Apple hits you right in the face, followed by a citrus resembling the classic witbier style. Slight pine on the back of the nose.

T: The first taste follows the smell; apple and citrus being most prominent, with a hint of cilantro. The lingering flavor is cayenne without the heat.

M: Initially, it was very hard to believe that it was a 9% ABV; it drank much closer to a 6-7. After warming up, the alcohol became more palpable. It has a mild prickliness at lower temperatures similar to a hard cider.

O: A very good beer that is an interesting take on the witbier style. pick it up.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2013 23:41:12 | More by boesesfleisch

brewtus

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours straw yellow, pretty clear with a two finger bubbly head. Smell is amazing begian wheat, sweet slight malt. The taste is also starts with predominant Belgian yeast, plenty of apple, but not in a sweet way. The cayenne is also pleaseny present at the end. The after taste is dry cinnamon apple. This beer isn't as sweet as I expected and the texture was thicker than I figured it would be. This is a great dinner beer, but you'd be understandably deceived if you wanted to sip this on a 90 degree day. Reminded me a lot of a more complex, fruitier, slightly lighter, version of Birra Etrusca

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2013 23:51:09 | More by brewtus

bluejacket74

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle. Served in a DFH Signature glass, the beer pours a hazy golden/orange color with about an inch and a half frothy off-white head. Head retention is excellent, and there's a good amount of lacing. Aroma is fruity and spicy, the brew smells like apples (sweet and tart), peppery spice, bananas, straw, grainy malt, pears, and cilantro. Taste is similar to the aroma, but there's also grape, cloves and some very light cayenne noticeable. The aroma and taste reminds me more of a Tripel because of the fruit and yeast. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit creamy and is well carbonated. The soft carbonation helps make this brew easy to drink. Also, the 9% ABV is well hidden. I think it's a good overall brew, definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2013 22:12:46 | More by bluejacket74

circus_cat

Virginia

3.65/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A: Solid, hazy yellow to orange with a huge, fluffy white head. Not much alcohol leg presence or lacing on mine.

S: Punched in the nose by Belgian yeast. Bread, over-ripe bananas, over-ripe sour apples, fruity esters.

T: Very sour from start to finish with a sweetness hanging out in the background. Apple juice, yeast, and coriander carry the taste.

M: Spry, medium-bodied, crisp.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2013 00:39:14 | More by circus_cat

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.65/5  rDev -5.7%
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 +3.4%
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 -15%
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 -11.9%
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 +6.7%
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 -7.5%
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 +4.7%
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 -3.4%
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 +8.3%
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 +4.7%
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 +4.9%
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 +1.6%
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 -9.8%
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