#186: Dogfish Head Brewery » Noble Rot (Saison)

White fusion goodness...

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.

#185: Dogfish Head Brewery » Red & White (Witbier)

Beer, wine, and barrels...

The Brewery: Dogfish Head (Milton, DE)
The Brew: Red & White (Witbier)
Availability: Bottles & Draft (limited)
ABV:  10.0% | IBUs: 35
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? After rehearsal, gearing up to open for Kayo Dot on Friday, it was time to relax with some games and beer. I've picked up a handful of Dogfish Head brews earlier in the month (Black & Blue, Piercing Pils) and next up is their Red & White hybrid - a witbier brewed with the usual coriander and orange peel, but also with Pinot Noir juice; a fraction aged in Pino barrels and the other on oak stages. Sign me up.

The Beer? Red & White pours out with a fluffy crown of white head, with some serious staying power, a top a hazy copper body. It's already fragrant across the game table just from the pour. Aromas of Oak, citrus, and hops pull me further.

This one is super smooth with just enough oak for rich depth and complexity, while still retaining an inviting drinkability. These's a distinct sweetness - like a gentle, soft barleywine. It's just boozy enough, but light on it's feet.

The coriander and orange provide an excellent compliment to the firm malt backbone, packed with delightful rum-raisin flavors. The whole experience is rounded over with the smooth depth of the Pinot, providing subtle, dark fruit notes.

Overall, a solid offering I'll easily return to.

Wishlist!: Sierra Nevada & Boulevard Brewing - Terra Incognito (Sour/Wild Ale)

Heavily hopped brown ale with 45% aged in old wine foudres and 30% in whiskey barrels. If that weren't enough, the real kicker is after blending, it's bottled with Brettanomyces. YUM.

The 2013 batch (coming soon) will be distributed by Boulevard Brewing, so unfortunately, I may have to wait until 2014 when that version goes out through Sierra Nevada's distro. If any one within Boulevard's distro region wants to trade... let's chat.

Thanks to the wonderful Beer Street Journal for putting this beauty on my radar.