The Brewery: Dogfish Head (Milton, DE)
The Brew: Noble Rot (Saison)
Availability: Bottles & Draft (limited)
ABV: 9.0% | IBUs: 18
Rating: 8.7/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center
The Story? Continuing in our series of Dodfish Occasional Rarities, Noble Rot which starts with Viognier grape must (unfermented juice), infected with botrytis, a benevolent fungus. Second comes Pinot Gris must, followed by pils and wheat malt, and fermented with a Belgian yeast strain. The result is one of the most equal meshing of beer and wine that has graced this palate yet.
The Beer? Noble Rot's appearance directly reflects the process, pale yellow/straw appearance akin to a deep white wine or Pilsner, with a touch of fizzy, white head which diminishes quickly into a ring. Bright, mineral aromas are immediately present, supported by soft citrus and lemon notes. Overall, the nose is very white-wine like, with a touch of hops.
Onto the palate, tart, white grape start and finish the flavor spectrum, with mild spice, lemon zest, and pear in the middle. The yeasts and malts take a back seat to vinous domination - light bodied, slightly acidic, and dry. Towards the end, some plisner hop bitterness peaks through.
Overall, more well suited for a wine lover than a beer lover, but it does truly walk the line between the two. Recommended as a gateway beer from white wine or cider or a refreshing, light bodied variation.
No comments:
Post a Comment